“An angelic land!” That’s how naturalist and wildlife photographer Sarangapani Neog describes the just about 21 sq. kilometre space of Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam, generally referred to as Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary (GWLS). On this protected land of the Assam plains alluvial semi-evergreen forest and its patches of moist evergreen woodland, he has recorded 280 butterfly species, a group now forming the second version of his soon-to-be printed e book, Butterflies of Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary.

On this interview with Mongabay India, Neog shares the place his fascination with butterflies began, the evolving nature of lepidoptera research, the perfect time to watch butterflies at GWLS and butterfly tourism.

“Gibbon WLS is famously recognized for housing seven primate species, together with the endangered western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock). However little recognized is its wealthy butterfly variety. It’s a haven for lepidopterists and butterfly fanatics, with easy-to-follow trails. The roadside vegetation and understorey habitats assist many unusual butterfly species,” Neog shared.

Notable sightings within the area embody the Assam forest bob or brown forest bob (Scobura parawoolletti), Assam lancer (Isma bonota), pink vein lancer (Pyroneura niasana), yellow vein lancer (Pyroneura margherita), a number of oakblue species (Arhopala spp.) such because the sylhet oakblue (Arhopala silhetensis) and falcate oakblue (Mahathala ameria), together with sailers (Neptis spp.), Archdukes (Lexias spp.), and barons (Euthalia spp.), he famous.

The place it began

Neog’s fascination with butterflies started throughout weekend visits to his father, who has been serving as a forest guard on the Gibbon WLS for twenty years. As a pupil, he would wander the forest trails together with his digital camera. Later, he selected to doc these for his commencement undertaking in 2014–15.

Recalling his journey to his first e book, Neog says butterflies have been nonetheless a comparatively new topic of fascination then, with none formal research having been performed on the Lepidoptera of the sanctuary. “I had purchased The E book of Indian Butterflies by photographer Isaac Kehimkar and commenced recognizing species within the sanctuary. I used to share my unidentified images with him on Fb for identification, and he inspired me to publish my findings as a e book and even reviewed them on-line each evening. The primary version, edited fully by way of these exchanges, documented 200 butterfly species within the sanctuary.”

However it’s time for an up to date second version, Neog famous. “In my first version there have been just a few lapses in identification. For instance, I had recorded the long-branded blue crow, however because of uncertainties, it remained a uncertain entry within the e book. Now, I choose to say it solely by its genus and species somewhat than the frequent title, because the specimen I photographed within the gibbon sanctuary remains to be not conclusively recognized.”

Whereas stating that phrases equivalent to “endemic” or “uncommon” are sometimes loosely used, he suggests utilizing “unusual” as an alternative, because it higher displays species that aren’t regularly noticed, together with these regionally uncommon. For the official standing of species, he factors to the IUCN Purple Record and the Wildlife (Safety) Modification Act, 2022.

Frequent taxonomic updates

The examine of lepidoptera, Neog factors out, is comparatively new, and taxonomic updates are frequent. “Scientific names of butterflies usually change as researchers uncover new proof about their id and distribution. These updates often come from detailed research of genitalia dissection, comparability of specimens, historic data, and earlier naming conventions,” he defined.

He cited the instance of a “very uncommon” butterfly present in Gibbon WLS. Within the context of Northeast India, the species was lengthy referred to as the brown forest bob (Scobura woolletti), a reputation initially related to butterflies from Borneo and components of Southeast Asia. Nevertheless, in 2010, an in depth taxonomic examine revealed that the butterflies recorded within the Northeast have been totally different from their Southeast Asian counterparts. Researchers in contrast wing patterns, genitalia constructions, and different morphological traits, discovering constant variations between the 2 populations. Consequently, the Indian specimens have been reclassified as a brand new species, Scobura parawoolletti (additionally known as Assam forest bob). The title “para,” that means “alongside” or “carefully associated to,” displays its similarity to S. woolletti whereas recognising it as a definite species.

Equally, the five-bar swordtail (Graphium antiphates), a swallowtail butterfly present in India, has two major subspecies- the Sahyadri five-bar swordtail (G. a. naira) within the Western Ghats and the Himalayan five-bar swordtail (G. a. nebulosus) within the Himalayas and Northeast India. Earlier, they have been known as alcibiades and pompilius, however a 2019 examine clarified that alcibiades belong to the Malay Peninsula, whereas pompilius is one other title for the unique antiphates. Scientists now use ‘naira’ and ‘nebulosus’ for the Indian subspecies.

Whereas Neog has up to date the nomenclature in step with present taxonomy, he emphasises that the actual spotlight of the e book is its visible readability. Every species is illustrated with detailed, annotated anatomical breakdowns that spotlight minute distinguishing options. This visible method, he notes, shall be helpful for figuring out butterflies that always seem deceptively comparable throughout species or subspecies.

The yellow sailer group is an efficient instance. The Manipur yellow sailer (Neptis namba), small yellow sailer (Neptis miah), and yellowjack sailer (Lasippa viraja) all belong to the Neptis group, which is thought for being taxonomically difficult because of their comparable appearances. “They differ in tiny, distinguishing options that solely skilled lepidopterists may discover. Most books on butterflies gloss over such delicate particulars, which makes exact identification troublesome. Having confronted these challenges myself, I’ve defined the identification strategies extra completely in my up to date work.”

Neog stresses that understanding their behaviour is vital for documentation. “I’d plan visits within the early mornings and evenings. Each species has its patterns, and it’s essential to know these to seek out them in the fitting place on the proper time,” he explains. Being cold-blooded, butterflies bask within the morning solar to heat their our bodies earlier than turning into energetic. “That’s while you get one of the best pictures. Later within the day, they’re swift and stressed, and far more durable to seize on digital camera.”

One other ultimate time to watch butterflies is throughout mud-puddling, after they collect on moist soil, riverbanks, or puddles to extract important salts and minerals. “Mud-puddling is most frequently seen in males, as they want minerals, particularly sodium, for reproductive success, which they then go on to females throughout mating. The kaleidoscope of lots of of butterflies is a spectacular sight,” he provides.

Furthermore, many species exhibit seasonal variation of their look, referred to as seasonal polyphenism, also known as “dry kind” and “moist kind.” Sure species such because the medus brown (Orsotriaena medus) or the frequent cerulean (Jamides celeno) which may look vibrant in March-April could look uninteresting in October-November. In Assam, one of the best time for butterfly watching is through the pre-monsoon months, from late February to June–July, when the forests come alive in a stunning spectacle.

Butterflies are indicators of ecosystem well being

“Butterflies inform us lots concerning the ecosystem, they keep away from polluted areas and function dependable indicators of forest well being. The Gibbon WLS is actually a forest island, surrounded by human habitations and tea plantations on nearly all sides.  Since 2015, I’ve recorded round 70 new species. Some butterflies I as soon as noticed repeatedly have develop into uncommon, whereas others at the moment are extra frequent,” noticed Neog.

His 340-page e book divided into six butterfly households — Hesperiidae (skippers), Papilionidae (swallowtails and parnassians), Pieridae (whites and sulphurs), Lycaenidae (gossamer-wings), Riodinidae (metalmarks), and Nymphalidae (brush-footed butterflies) — offers data on the present conservation standing of every documented species and the optimum time to watch it within the sanctuary.

The sanctuary has lengthy been at a crossroads because of a railway observe constructed in 1887, which break up it into two. This fragmentation has adversely affected wildlife, significantly resulting in interbreeding melancholy amongst the apes. “Railway staff repeatedly clear shrubs and crops alongside the tracks, together with lantana which is a crucial nectar supply and shelter plant for butterflies. Additionally they use herbicides/chemical substances to clear grass alongside.  A number of die because of habitat disturbance.”

Curiously, the railway observe has additionally created situations that entice sure species. Some butterflies feed on unconventional nutrient sources equivalent to rotting fruit, carrion, and even animal or human feces; waste that always accumulates alongside the tracks. The black raja (Charaxes solon) is one such species. Others regularly sighted close to the railway line embody clippers (Parthenos sylvia), and nawabs (Polyura spp.).

He opines that pesticide use in surrounding tea gardens has additionally adversely impacted the butterfly populations, with runoff seeping into the sanctuary, and instructed sealing or concretising the border drainage.

Butterflies draw vacationers

During the last decade, butterfly tourism has slowly grown in Gibbon WLS, drawing guests from overseas particularly. Whereas some states have devoted butterfly tour guides, Assam nonetheless lacks such initiatives. Not too long ago, nonetheless, two younger males from a neighbouring village have begun coaching below him to develop into butterfly tour guides. Neog has been a useful resource individual for workshops organised by academic establishments and eco-camps, the place he delivers lectures on butterfly taxonomy and takes members on discipline walks. “It’s important to know butterfly anatomy and behavior to establish and classify them into the six households discovered right here. We begin with the fundamentals of identification within the classroom after which head out on trails contained in the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary,” he mentioned.

He envisions an data centre in each sanctuary and nationwide park of the state, not solely as a useful resource on butterflies however as a repository of knowledge on all fauna. “Such centres might function libraries and analysis hubs,” he said. “They might profit conservationists and researchers, and likewise create alternatives for faculties and faculties to carry outside lessons. With entry to knowledge and guided discipline visits, college students would acquire first-hand data past textbooks.” His e book, he provides, might function a springboard for additional research on host crops and different features of butterfly ecology in Northeast India.

Neog says that Assam’s wealthy butterfly variety deserves larger recognition. “Declaring a state butterfly can be an essential step in direction of conservation.”

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Learn extra: Why are butterflies migrating throughout the Indian peninsula? [Explainer]

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Banner picture: The brown forest bob (Scobura woolletti) was recognized in components of Southeast Asia, and considered a uncommon sight within the Northeast. A 2010 examine nonetheless revealed that the butterflies recorded within the Northeast was a special species, now named Scobura parawoolletti or Assam forest bob (seen within the picture). Picture by Sarangapani Neog.