By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 1: Governor CH Vijayashankar on Monday unveiled the book Butterflies of Meghalaya at Lok Bhavan, describing it as a landmark contribution to documenting the state’s natural heritage.
The publication records 698 butterfly species, revealing that more than half of India’s butterfly diversity is found in Meghalaya. The authors, renowned experts Krushnamegh Kunte and Sanjay Sondhi, identified the Garo Hills as one of the top three butterfly hotspots in Northeast India due to its unique habitats and species richness.
Conceptualised by HC Chaudhary, ACS to the Governor, during his tenure in the Forest department, the book received support from department field officers.
The print version was funded by the Eicher Group Foundation, the CSR arm of Royal Enfield.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Vijayashankar stressed the importance of butterflies as indicators of ecosystem health.
He called for increased awareness among local communities, educational institutions, and traditional bodies to protect Meghalaya’s forests and fragile habitats.
The authors expressed hope that the work would inspire students and researchers to engage in grassroots conservation and study.
