Why 8th Namdapha Butterfly Festival was in the news?
The 8th Namdapha Butterfly Festival began from 26th Nov, 2025 in Khachang village near Miao, Changlang district – the gateway to Namdapha National Park. The 8th Namdapha Butterfly Festival is a celebration of nature, community and conservation – a movement that embodies joy, resilience and shared stewardship. The festival is organised by the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Arunachal Pradesh in collaboration with local community groups (e.g., Tikak Homestay Miao, Khachang-Mattungkhim Youth Forum, Namdapha Jungle Camp Miao).
What are the Significances of the 8th Namdapha Butterfly Festival?
- Celebrates the extraordinary butterfly biodiversity of Namdapha National Park – the region hosts over 500 species of butterflies including rare varieties like the Kaiser-i-Hind, Blue Mormon, Peacock Pansy, Zigzag Flat, Yellow-veined Lancer.
- Promotes eco-tourism, nature conservation, and community participation in conservation efforts.
- Awareness generation among locals and visitors about protection of fragile ecosystems, sustainable tourism practices, and the unique biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas.
- Connect with the larger theme of “eco-tourism in North East India” and sustainable tourism in fragile ecosystems.
Relevance of 8th Namdapha Butterfly Festival to Arunachal Pradesh & the Region:
- Location: Within one of India’s biodiversity hotspots, Namdapha NP. is noted for high diversity of flora and fauna, including butterflies, and forms part of the Eastern Himalayas ecosystem.
- For Arunachal: Enhances the state’s profile as an eco-tourism destination, contributing to livelihood opportunities for locals (homestays, guiding, cultural showcases).
- For conservation: Helps integrate local communities into conservation efforts, bridging tourism and environment protection.
About Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve:
- Location: Changlang District, Arunachal Pradesh.
- Established: 1972; declared a Tiger Reserve in 1983 under Project Tiger.
- Area: Approximately 1,985 sq. km — India’s third-largest national park.
- Geographical Range: Lies between the Dapha Bum Range of Mishmi Hills and the Patkai range.
Ecological Significance:
- One of the most biodiverse protected areas in the world.
- Falls within the Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot, known for exceptional species richness and endemism.
- Dense tropical rainforests, sub-tropical forests, temperate forests, and alpine meadows.
Flora:
- Over 1,000 species of vascular plants including many rare and medicinal varieties.
- Dominated by Dipterocarpus, Mesua, Michelia, Bamboos, and Canes.
- The park’s forest types – from evergreen rainforests in the lower elevations to coniferous and alpine vegetation in higher reaches.
Fauna:
- Houses four big cats together:
- Tiger (Panthera tigris)
- Leopard (Panthera pardus)
- Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)
- Snow leopard (Panthera uncia)
- Other notable mammals: Hoolock gibbon (India’s only ape), red panda, Himalayan black bear, and mishmi takin.
- Rich avifauna – over 450 bird species including white-winged wood duck, great hornbill, and snowy-throated babbler.
Butterfly Diversity:
- Over 500 species of butterflies, making it a major butterfly hotspot in India.
- Home for the world’s most spectacular and rare species, including:
- Kaiser-i-Hind (Teinopalpus imperialis)
- Blue Mormon, Peacock Pansy, Zig-Zag Flat, and Yellow-Veined Lancer.
Prelims MCQ
Q. Which of the following statements about Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve is/are correct?
- It is located in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
- It was declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1983.
- It is India’s largest national park.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Also Read: 4th Khangri Glacier Expedtion
Source: Arunachal Times
