Dr Shruti Kulkarni, a butterfly researcher, has documented around 70+ species of butterflies in Nagaland, spanning Kohima, Wokha, Peren, and Zunheboto Districts. Additionally, individuals like Wonchi, as well as students and nature lovers from Chizami in Phek District, have also documented over 200 species of butterflies in Nagaland.
In her article titled ‘Flying Jewels of Nagaland,’ Dr Kulkarni notes that unique and vibrant butterflies such as the Green or White Dragon Tail and Sapphire are found in Nagaland. Furthermore, species endemic to Nagaland, including the Naga Azure Sapphire, Naga Sapphire, and Tiny Blues, are distributed across all districts.
“Butterflies are not only aesthetic but also play an important role in pollination, which is crucial for crops and fruits like mangoes and pineapples. They also serve as food for birds and small reptiles in the food chain,” explained the researcher.
Dr Kulkarni highlights that despite Nagaland’s rich and diverse butterfly population, the state lacks proper documentation and research on butterflies, which is imperative. “As such, butterfly lovers and research scholars have the opportunity to explore and document these flying jewels,” she said.
“Changing climate patterns, peer pressure from developmental activities, and loss of habitat are some of the main threats to butterflies,” Dr Kulkarni observed.
According to Dr Kulkarni, Northeast India, one of the most diverse biodiversity hotspots, is home to the Eastern Himalayan Mountain ecosystem, high altitude forests, rainforests, hills, valleys and grasslands, which are a perfect habitat for butterflies to thrive.
As for Nagaland, Dr Kulkarni said common species like sailor, sergeant, common birdwing, paris peacock, common/great nawab and red or leopard lacewing and tiger butterfly’s species are found all over the state. The state also has high altitudinal species of butterflies such as Bhutan Glory in Kohima and grassland butterfly species such as Emigrant, Yellows and Tigers in Peren, Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima Districts, she added.
Dr Kulkarni is researcher, naturalist and an avid butterfly watcher, and can be reached at kshruti1985@gmail.com
Photos by: Dr. Shruti Kulkarni