Rare butterfly spotted in Sauraha after 51 years

Rediscovery of a Rare Butterfly Species in Chitwan

A rare butterfly species, previously thought to be absent from Nepal for over half a century, has been spotted in Sauraha, a popular tourist area in the Chitwan district. This remarkable sighting has captured the attention of conservationists and nature enthusiasts alike.

The butterfly, known locally as 'Chandi Dhasre Babulpari' in Nepali, was observed near the entrance gate of Chitwan National Park on Tuesday. According to Tek Bahadur Gurung, a respected butterfly expert, this species had not been recorded in Nepal since 1974. The rediscovery has sparked renewed optimism among environmentalists that the country’s butterfly population might be more diverse than previously believed.

Gurung, who co-authored a book titled Field Guide: Butterflies of Chitwan, Nepal last year, confirmed the sighting. The butterfly was first noticed by a local nature guide named Rojan Subedi. Upon receiving the news, Gurung, along with fellow butterfly observers Milan Tamang, Bishal Lama, and Basu Bidari, immediately traveled to the site. They documented the find through photographs and videos.

“I quickly shared the images and footage with both national and international butterfly experts,” Gurung said. “They confirmed that this species is extremely rare in Nepal.” Additional confirmation came from researchers Sajan KC and Surendra Pariyar from Pokhara, as well as Pete Van, an expert from the Netherlands.

Gurung noted that the only other recorded sighting of this species in Nepal occurred in Makawanpur in 1974, when it was observed by Colin Smith, who is widely known in Nepal as the ‘Putali Baje.’ “It has taken 51 years for this butterfly to be seen again,” he remarked.

The scientific name of the butterfly is Zinaspa todara. Its reappearance has generated excitement within the local conservation community, especially because it was found just outside Sauraha, a key entry point for tourists visiting Chitwan National Park.

“Nepal is home to a total of 692 known butterfly species, and more than 312 of them can be found in Chitwan alone,” Gurung explained. He emphasized that the region is ecologically rich, with a wide variety of plant life and water sources that support diverse wildlife.

Butterflies are not only beautiful but also play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. “They are indicators of a healthy environment and thrive in areas with abundant vegetation and water,” Gurung said. Additionally, they contribute to agriculture through pollination, which is essential for crop production.

Beyond their ecological importance, butterflies have increasingly become a draw for eco-tourism. “We’ve seen visitors traveling from abroad specifically for butterfly watching,” Gurung noted. “This discovery reinforces Chitwan’s status as a biodiversity hotspot and highlights its potential as a destination for nature-based tourism.”

Gurung and his team now plan to conduct further research in the area to determine whether this butterfly species has established a more permanent presence. Their findings could provide valuable insights into the region’s biodiversity and help shape future conservation efforts.