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

A recent survey in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district, specifically in the Simong Community Forest, has led to the discovery of six butterfly species previously unrecorded in India, emphasizing the Eastern Himalayas as a key biodiversity hotspot. The study, conducted by researchers from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bengaluru, in collaboration with the Litin Community Conservation Society, was published in the latest issue of Entomon. The survey builds on photographic evidence collected during 2024 fieldwork and contributes significantly to India’s butterfly records, while highlighting the ecological value of community-conserved forests in the region.

The field expedition was led by local conservationist Agur Litin, a member of the Litin clan and co-author of the study. The newly documented species include Litin Onyx (Horaga takanamii), Narrow-banded Royal (Dacalana vui), Tibetan Duke (Euthalia zhaxidunzhui), Tibetan Sergeant (Athyma yui), Tibetan Junglequeen (Stichophthalma neumogeni renqingduojiei), and Mountain Columbine (Stiboges elodinia). Until now, these species had been observed only in neighboring Southeast Asian countries such as Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and in southeastern Tibet. Their occurrence in Arunachal Pradesh extends the known geographic range of these butterflies and suggests biogeographic links between India’s Siang Valley and Tibet’s Metok region. The study notes that the Brahmaputra River may play a critical role in facilitating faunal continuity between southeastern Tibet and eastern Arunachal Pradesh, serving as a natural corridor for species movement and ecological exchange.

The survey spanned just seven days, yet the team recorded 90 butterfly species, underscoring the immense biodiversity that remains undocumented in the region. Researchers emphasized that the discovery of six previously unrecorded species in a short period highlights the lack of comprehensive Lepidoptera surveys and conservation efforts in the Eastern Himalayas. Such findings underscore both the scientific importance of the area and the urgency of implementing conservation measures to protect its fragile ecosystems.

Beyond contributing to scientific knowledge, the study demonstrates the critical role of local communities in biodiversity conservation. The Litin clan, in particular, played a key role in guiding the expedition, offering local knowledge, and ensuring that the forest habitats remain protected. Community-managed forests like Simong serve as crucial refuges for wildlife and support the maintenance of ecological balance, demonstrating how localized conservation efforts can complement broader scientific and policy initiatives. By actively participating in the documentation and protection of biodiversity, local residents contribute to the long-term preservation of the region’s natural heritage.

The findings of this study not only expand India’s butterfly records but also provide valuable insights into species distribution and ecological connectivity in the Eastern Himalayas. They highlight the role of the Eastern Himalayas as a biodiversity hotspot and its importance for both national and regional conservation planning. The discovery reinforces the need for further research, systematic monitoring, and collaboration between scientific institutions and local communities to better understand and conserve the rich Lepidopteran diversity and other fauna of the region.

In conclusion, the survey in Upper Siang’s Simong Community Forest demonstrates the rich yet underexplored biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh, revealing new butterfly species and expanding knowledge of their geographic ranges. It underscores the ecological importance of community-conserved forests, the role of local clans like the Litin in biodiversity protection, and the need for continued research and conservation efforts to safeguard the Eastern Himalayas’ unique natural heritage for future generations.