Mechukha, a serene valley in Arunachal Pradesh’s Shi-Yomi district, hosted its inaugural High-Altitude Butterfly and Biodiversity Meet, marking a significant milestone in eco-tourism and conservation. Organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Department, the two-day event drew 72 participants, including researchers, students, and nature enthusiasts from across India, who documented an impressive 107 butterfly species.
Among the highlights were the discoveries of two rare butterfly species previously unrecorded in India: the Metok Green Sapphire (Heliophorus gloria) and the Medog Tufted Ace (Sebastonyma medoensis), both known only from southeast Tibet’s Hanmi, Metok region. These findings, celebrated as a breakthrough in Indian lepidopteran research, spotlight the Eastern Himalayas’ ecological richness.
The event featured engaging activities like butterfly walks, biodiversity trails, aqua therapy sessions, and nature games, fostering a deeper connection with the region’s natural heritage. Awards for Best Speaker and Best Presenter were given to students to encourage youth involvement in conservation efforts. Notable attendees, including officers from the Sikh Regiment and the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Mechukha, emphasized community-led conservation and sustainable eco-tourism during the closing ceremony at the NCDS Community Hall.
Dr. Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi, a leading lepidopterist, hailed the discoveries as a “scientific milestone,” reinforcing Mechukha’s potential as a hub for biodiversity research and eco-tourism. The meet not only showcased Arunachal’s vibrant ecosystems but also inspired locals to embrace conservation as a path to sustainable livelihoods.