The 9th North East Butterfly Meet and International Research Conference on Butterfly Research and Conservation concluded successfully at Kokilabari in the Manas National Park landscape after three days of discussions, field observations and scientific exchanges.
The event, held from October 23 to 25, brought together around 100 delegates, including researchers, conservationists, naturalists and butterfly enthusiasts from across India and several countries, including the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Bhutan, Tanzania, Sudan, Ghana and Namibia.
One of the major achievements of the conference was the documentation of more than 185 butterfly species in the Manas landscape. The findings included several significant records for the Bodoland region, highlighting the area’s rich biodiversity and ecological importance.
Among the notable sightings were the Witch (Araotes lapithis) and the Elusive Prince (Rohana tonkiniana). Another important discovery was the recording of the Assam Cornalean (Virachola dohertyi) by researchers Gaurab Nandi Das and Roshan Upadhyay.
The conference also witnessed the release of the pictorial guidebook Butterflies of Bodoland & Lower Assam, which features 432 photographic records showcasing the butterfly diversity of the region. The publication is the result of years of field surveys and documentation by Atanu Bose, Mahesh Baruah and Dr Monsoon J. Gogoi.
Another publication, Butterflies of Assam, authored by Dr Monsoon J. Gogoi and Loren Sonowal, was also released. The booklet documents 160 common butterfly species of Assam and supports Project Pokhila, a citizen-science initiative that promotes butterfly monitoring across the state.
Conference proceedings from the 9th North East Butterfly Meet, edited by Hilloljyoti Singha and chief organiser Kamal Azad, were also unveiled, contributing to ongoing research and conservation efforts.
The programme was attended by representatives from the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), WWF-India, Aaranyak, Bodoland University and several academic and conservation institutions. International experts, including Dr Martin Konvička of the University of South Bohemia, Czech Republic, and renowned butterfly researchers from Bhutan and Nepal, also participated.
Throughout the event, delegates discussed butterfly research, species documentation, conservation challenges and the ecological role of butterflies. Participants also explored opportunities for collaboration in biodiversity research and environmental education.
Organisers said the findings reinforce the importance of the Manas landscape as a key destination for butterfly research, conservation, biodiversity awareness and nature-based ecotourism. The conference served as a valuable platform for sharing scientific knowledge and strengthening conservation networks across the region and beyond.
