Rare Butterflies Found in Siang Valley: Arunachal Emerges as India’s New Biodiversity Hotspot

A recent biodiversity study in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang Valley has revealed six butterfly species never before recorded in India, marking a major milestone in Himalayan ecology. Conducted in the Litin Community Conserved Area (CCA) of Upper Siang district, the research highlights the Siang Valley’s role as a natural bridge between the Tibetan plateau and India’s eastern Himalayas.

Rare Butterflies Found in Siang Valley: Arunachal Emerges as India’s New Biodiversity Hotspot

New Butterfly Discoveries

Researchers and local villagers identified six butterfly species that were earlier known only from Tibet, Laos, and Vietnam.
Among these rare discoveries are:

• Litin Onyx (Horaga takanamii)
• Tibetan Junglequeen (Stichophthalma neumogeni renqingduojiei)
• Tibetan Duke (Euthalia zhaxidunzhui)

The findings, published in Entomon Journal, offer new insights into species migration, genetic diversity, and biodiversity corridors influenced by the Brahmaputra River system.

Community-Led Conservation Effort

This success story is deeply tied to the Litin clan of Simong village, who have safeguarded their ancestral forest by establishing it as a community conserved area.
Their dedication has turned the region into a thriving research site and a symbol of sustainable conservation.
In recognition of their contribution, scientists named one species, the Litin Onyx, after the clan—honouring their leadership in wildlife protection.

A Bridge Between Ecosystems

The Brahmaputra River, called the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, acts as an evolutionary and ecological corridor connecting the Sino-Himalayan and Indo-Himalayan regions.
The presence of species from Tibet and Southeast Asia in Siang Valley confirms that biodiversity flows across political borders.
Experts suggest that with proper protection, Siang Valley could become one of Asia’s top butterfly hotspots, promoting both conservation and eco-tourism.

Conservation Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite its rich biodiversity, Siang Valley faces threats from:

• Hydropower dam projects
• Deforestation and logging
• Climate change

Conservationists urge for systematic surveys, policy-level protection, and support for community-led conservation.
With the rise of butterfly festivals and citizen science projects, Arunachal Pradesh is showing how local knowledge and modern research can together protect fragile Himalayan ecosystems.

Exam-Oriented Notes

• Six butterfly species new to India discovered in Siang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Research conducted in Litin Community Conserved Area, Upper Siang district.
• Key species: Litin Onyx (Horaga takanamii), Tibetan Junglequeen, Tibetan Duke.
• Study highlights Brahmaputra–Yarlung Tsangpo corridor as a biodiversity bridge.
• Local community-led conservation by Litin clan of Simong village.

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Question & Answer

Q1. In which Indian state were six new butterfly species recently discovered?
(a) Sikkim
(b) Arunachal Pradesh
(c) Assam
(d) Meghalaya
Answer: Arunachal Pradesh

Q2. What is the name of the butterfly species named after the Litin clan?
(a) Tibetan Duke
(b) Litin Onyx
(c) Himalayan Queen
(d) Siang Blue
Answer: Litin Onyx

Q3. The Siang Valley is located in which district of Arunachal Pradesh?
(a) Tawang
(b) Upper Siang
(c) West Kameng
(d) Changlang
Answer: Upper Siang

Q4. The Brahmaputra River is known as what in Tibet?
(a) Tsangpo Chu
(b) Yarlung Tsangpo
(c) Lhasa Chu
(d) Zangbo Nadi
Answer: Yarlung Tsangpo

Q5. The new butterfly discoveries in Siang Valley were published in which journal?
(a) Nature Ecology
(b) Entomon Journal
(c) Environmental Science Reports
(d) Himalayan Studies Review
Answer: Entomon Journal

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