More than 97 species of butterflies were recorded during the third Lakhimpur Butterfly Walk 2026, held at Dulung Reserve Forest in Assam’s Lakhimpur district on September 6, highlighting the rich insect and bird diversity of the forest landscape.
The programme was organised by the Nature Conservation Society (NCS) under its flagship initiative, Project Pokhila – Butterflies of Assam, as part of Big Butterfly Month. Around 80 students, researchers, nature enthusiasts, local community members and wildlife lovers from different parts of the country participated in the field programme.
Participants from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Kerala and Bihar joined the event along with students and nature enthusiasts from Assam. The programme provided an opportunity for participants to explore the forest ecosystem while learning about butterfly identification, habitat, behaviour and the wider ecological role of insects.
The butterfly walk was led by Loren Sonowal, chairman of the Nature Conservation Society and project lead of Project Pokhila, along with Madhab Das, Tourism Development Officer of the Department of Tourism. Apurba Sonowal and Kamal Moran supported the field activities.
As part of the biodiversity survey, participants documented more than 97 butterfly species. The team also recorded over 10 species of dragonflies and damselflies during the field exercise. Around 30 bird species were also observed and documented, with the bird checklist prepared by Manash Pratim Medhi and Jugal Borah.
The organisers said field-based biodiversity programmes such as the butterfly walk play an important role in helping document species found in local habitats. Such activities also give students and members of local communities an opportunity to observe nature directly and develop a better understanding of the importance of protecting natural ecosystems.
The programme also focused on responsible nature observation and the importance of biodiversity awareness in conservation efforts. The organisers said greater awareness of local species and their habitats can contribute to responsible nature-based tourism while encouraging people to engage more closely with the natural environment.
The third Lakhimpur Butterfly Walk was organised with the support and collaboration of Assam Tourism, Assam Forest, WildFeathers, Wiki Loves Butterflies, Bihanga Bandu, Rago, ArtforNature and Eastern Horizons.
