Six New Butterfly Species Link Tibet and India Across the Brahmaputra

A recent discovery in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang Valley has unveiled six butterfly species never before recorded in India, revealing deep ecological connections between Tibet’s Yarlung Tsangpo and the Brahmaputra basin. The study, conducted in the Litin Community Conserved Area (CCA) of Upper Siang district, underscores the region’s role as a natural bridge between the Tibetan plateau and India’s eastern Himalayas.

New Species Discovered in Siang Valley

Researchers and local villagers documented six species previously known only from Tibet, Laos, and Vietnam. Among them are the Litin Onyx (“Horaga takanamii”), the Tibetan Junglequeen (“Stichophthalma neumogeni renqingduojiei”), and the Tibetan Duke (“Euthalia zhaxidunzhui”). The discovery, published in “Entomon Journal”, provides new insights into species migration and biodiversity corridors shaped by the Brahmaputra River.

A Community-Led Conservation Success

The Litin clan of Simong village has played a central role in preserving the biodiversity of the region. By designating their ancestral forest as a community conserved area, they have created a haven for wildlife and a model for sustainable conservation. In recognition of their efforts, researchers named “Horaga takanamii” as the “Litin Onyx.” Local stewardship has transformed the forest into both a research site and a source of community pride.

Biodiversity Bridge Across Borders

The Brahmaputra, known in Tibet as the Yarlung Tsangpo, acts as an evolutionary corridor linking the Sino-Himalayan and Indo-Himalayan regions. The presence of species from Southeast Asia and Tibet in Arunachal Pradesh confirms cross-border ecological continuity. Experts believe the Siang Valley could soon be recognised as one of Asia’s richest butterfly hotspots, provided its fragile landscapes are shielded from unregulated development and climate change.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Six butterfly species new to India were recorded in Siang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.
• The Litin Onyx (“Horaga takanamii”) was named after the Litin clan for their conservation efforts.
• The discovery highlights the Brahmaputra’s role as a biodiversity corridor between India and Tibet.
• Research was conducted in the Litin Community Conserved Area near Yingkiong, Upper Siang district.

Challenges to Conservation and Future Outlook

Despite the promising discoveries, Siang Valley faces mounting threats from hydropower projects, logging, and climate change. Proposed dams along the Siang River could alter habitats, disrupt migration routes, and endanger countless species. Conservationists urge more systematic surveys and stronger policy support for community-led initiatives. As butterfly festivals and citizen-science projects gain popularity across Arunachal, the region continues to demonstrate that local traditions and modern science can together protect India’s fragile Himalayan frontier.