Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 28 2020: About 55.3 percent of known butterfly species are found in Manipur, said a study conducted by State researchers.
The study was done by Czech Academy of Science's scientist and member Manipur Butterfly Club, Irungbam Jiteshwar and other researchers including Laishram Ricky, Harmenn Huidrom, Baleshwar Soibam, Aomao Ngangom and Bendang Ngangom.
They have also published a checklist of the butterfly species found in Manipur.
Their study, 'An inventory of butterflies of Manipur, India' was.
published in a New Zealand based scientific journal - Zootaxa's November edition.
Their study found that Manipur has 798 different species of butterfly of seven families.
About 90 of them are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act.
And 95.6 percent of the butterfly species in North-East India are found in Manipur, said the study.
The team conducted their study in Manipur from 2010 to 2019 and they rediscovered eight species.
They also recorded 30 species of butterflies in Manipur for the first time in India, they said.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, Jiteshwar said their study will prove beneficial to all especially to those who are studying or engaged in the field.
He said butterfly parks may be established by identifying the places where they are found abundantly.
One of the researchers, Harmenn Huidrom said their study details a complete list of the butterfly species found in Manipur.
He stated that the British during their time in Manipur had published a list of the butterflies found in Manipur.
After that the Zoological Survey of India and the Manipur University had also conducted a study on the butterflies found in Manipur.
Some of the butterflies have been named after Koubru hill, Shirui and other places in Manipur.
However, the butterflies are constantly being threatened by wildfire and forest fire etc which destroy their habitat and eggs.
The Government should take up steps to protect and preserve butterflies.
Like other animals and birds are protected, the butterflies should also be protected as they are part of the natural ecosystem.
Butterfly parks may be established to protect them, Harmenn said.