DIBRUGARH,
butterflies
Sustainable tea
A Measured Response
Renewal
A Fine Factory
Sustainable tea
A Measured Response
Renewal
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| Manager Samar Jyoti Chaliha |
Biodiversity
Leopards
Halodhiya Pokhila (Yellow Grass Butterfly) As he undertook a major study of the butterflies of Assam Maan Barua was astounded to discover “local names are not available for even the more common and conspicuous species such as Peacock Pansy.”
“One of the startling results of the attitude survey has been the complete absence of names of specific butterflies in the Assamese language,” he observed in an article published by Horizons Solutions.
As there are no names for butterflies in regional languages, let alone access to detailed information, people’s awareness regarding butterflies and their conservation is almost next to nothing. It is for this reason butterflies have failed to be a part of the environmental debate in the region, according to Bittu Sahgal, Editor of Sanctuary Magazine.
“The lack of understanding of butterfly natural history and conservation stems from this void,” explains Barua. A team has begun translating Latin names of butterflies (by Ellin Beltz, USA) in order to assist the creation of Assamese names. The team consists of a litterateur, Latin scholar and biologist to initiate the naming process. The primary aim is to make accessible the entire world of butterflies to local communities and to disseminate information on butterflies amongst the public.
A butterfly identification key is also being prepared. The key depicts 80 common and important butterflies of the region, showing butterflies Barua photographed in the field. This will help beginners and amateurs with an interest in butterflies, as well as those to be engaged in further fieldwork on butterflies in the region.
Creation of a poster on butterflies will follow.
Sources: Impact of Tea Estates on Butterfly Populations: A major study of the impact of tea estates on butterfly populations by Maan Barua. Maan Barua, Wild Grass, Kaziranga, Assam 785109, India
[email protected] and Conservation of Butterflies in Assam, India: Setting example for worldwide efforts. Horizon Solutions. |