Six New Butterfly Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang Valley

A survey in Upper Siang’s Simong Community Forest in Arunachal Pradesh discovered six butterfly species previously unknown in India, highlighting the Eastern Himalayas as a biodiversity hotspot. Conducted by researchers from ATREE, Bengaluru, and the Litin Community Conservation Society, the study documented species including Litin Onyx, Narrow-banded Royal, and Tibetan Junglequeen, previously found only in Southeast Asia and Tibet. The findings underscore the ecological importance of community-conserved forests and the role of local clans like the Litin in preserving wildlife. During seven days, 90 butterfly species were recorded, revealing significant gaps in Lepidoptera research and conservation in the region.