Nepal Launches First-Ever Nationwide Butterfly Census to Protect Biodiversity

In an exciting environmental initiative, Nepal has launched its first-ever nationwide butterfly census, aiming to document and conserve its rich biodiversity.

This 29-day effort, titled ‘The Big Butterfly Count,’ invites citizens, students, and researchers to observe, photograph, and document butterflies across different regions of the country.

“Nepal is home to over 650 species of butterflies, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world,” says Dr. Sunita Shrestha, a conservation biologist. “However, due to climate change, deforestation, and urbanization, their habitats are shrinking.”

Butterflies play a crucial role in ecosystems as pollinators and indicators of environmental health. The project, supported by the Nepal Biodiversity Conservation Centre, encourages participants to use a mobile app to submit butterfly sightings, making it an interactive and educational experience for all age groups.

For nature lovers like Ramesh Bista, a schoolteacher in Chitwan, this initiative is a way to connect with nature. “My students are thrilled. They are learning not just about butterflies but also about conservation.”

The data collected from the census will help scientists track population trends, identify endangered species, and shape conservation policies. Nepal hopes to make this an annual event, increasing awareness and encouraging citizens to take an active role in protecting the environment.