6 rare butterfly species discovered in Arunachal’s Ledum village

Pasighat: A minimum of six rare species of butterflies were discovered out of the total 133 which were documented during the third edition of Pasighat Butterfly and Biodiversity meet at Ledum village under East Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh. The species include saffron (Mota massyla), yellow viened lancer (Pyroneura margherita), scarce red forester (Letha distans butler), Indian awlking, white dragontail and jungle glory.

The third edition of the Pasighat Butterfly and Biodiversity Meet (PBBM) was organised at ‘mural village’ Ledum from October 8 to 10. The three-day ecotourism event, which included moth-watching on the opening day, also had featured activities like bird-watching, conservation activities, nature trail hikes, and nature photography, besides other activities.

The event which was organised by Destination Ledum in collaboration with State Foundation for Biodiversity Conservation, Society for Education and Environment Development, East Siang Homestay Operators, Ane Siang Tours and Expeditions, Ledum Village Council.

The group of nature enthusiasts from the state has been conducting Pasighat Butterfly and Biodiversity Meet for the past two years. This year, the event was organised with the motive of discouraging hunting and deforestation in Adi (tribe) belt, focusing more on conservation of biodiversity and promoting sustainable eco tourism.

In order to reach the masses, organisers had involved the villagers, community based organisations, self help groups, home stay owners and tour operators of Pasighat. Many experts, scientists and photographers also participated in the three-day event. Few research scholars from Rajiv Gandhi University took part in the event and surveyed the fishy culture in the area.

The villagers have now banned hunting in the juridiction of Ledum village to protect the wild animals and birds.