The 3rd Wakro Butterfly Meet 2026, organized by the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary (KTRWLS) in collaboration with the Kamlang Valley Nature Club in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit district, concluded on a high note with the documentation of 207 butterfly species over the three-day event.
Kamlang Tiger Reserve Range Forest Officer (RFO) Bunty Tao said the meet not only achieved significant species documentation but also witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, youths, nature enthusiasts, and experts from different parts of the country. He noted that increasing awareness among young people and the public through the efforts of researchers, conservationists, and the Forest Department was highly encouraging.
The event was organized to promote biodiversity conservation, environmental awareness, and nature-based ecotourism among the younger generation. The inaugural programme was attended by OSD to the Deputy Chief Minister Chow Tseng Tsing Mein, Lohit Zilla Parishad Chairperson Basanlu Dellang, and KTRWLS Divisional Forest Officer Alok Kumar, along with local leaders, self-help groups, students, senior citizens, and visitors from various states.
Dedicated to students and youths, this year’s butterfly meet aimed to strengthen the connection between young people and nature while highlighting the rich biodiversity of the Wakro region and the Kamlang Tiger Reserve. Activities included butterfly watching, birdwatching, nature walks, interactive learning sessions, and nature-based games.
More than 120 students from various educational institutions, including Indira Gandhi Government College, Mahabodhi Lord Buddha College, Arunachal University, Kids Foundation School, and Government Higher Secondary School, Wakro, participated in the programme. Additionally, 45 students and nature enthusiasts joined as residential campers.
One of the major highlights of the meet was the recording of 207 butterfly species. Noteworthy sightings included the Green Dragontail, Columbine, Elusive Prince, Watson’s Bushbrown, Blue-striped Palmfly, Great Swift, Grand Duke, Singleton, and Yellow-veined Lancer.
Apart from field explorations, participants took part in biodiversity-focused games and activities emphasizing environmental conservation and waste management. These sessions encouraged practical learning, teamwork, and outdoor engagement.
The event also featured renowned resource persons such as Roshan Upadhaya, popularly known as the “Butterfly Man of Arunachal Pradesh,” PhD scholar Dr. Lobsang Tashi Thugon, wildlife filmmaker Tallo Anthony, biologist Aditya Dass, and KTR botanist Rosnita Kora. Their interactive sessions helped participants understand the importance of biodiversity documentation, wildlife conservation, and sustainable coexistence with nature.
Expressing gratitude to experts and participants, Tao said the meet offered a valuable platform for students and local youths to explore nature, interact with specialists, and develop an interest in biodiversity research, conservation, and ecotourism.
He added that the event also highlighted the immense ecotourism potential of Wakro and the Kamlang Tiger Reserve, which could generate meaningful livelihood opportunities for local communities through responsible nature-based tourism activities.
The organizers thanked the Forest Department, district administration, educational institutions, experts, volunteers, local communities, sponsors, and participants for their contributions to the successful conduct of the event.
Tao said the successful conclusion of the meet marks another significant milestone in the journey of the Wakro Butterfly Meet, reinforcing its vision of establishing Wakro as a recognized destination for biodiversity exploration and inspiring future generations to become responsible ambassadors of nature conservation.
