The recent news headlines highlight Arunachal Pradesh’s decision to accord the status of State butterfly to the impressively vivid Kaiser-i-Hind. The Kaiser-i-Hind, or ‘Emperor of India’, exhibits unique characteristics and plays a critical role in indicating the healthiness of an ecosystem.
Profile of the Kaiser-i-Hind Butterfly
Scientifically known as Teinopalpus imperialis, the Kaiser-i-Hind is a distinctive variety of the swallowtail butterflies, which are grouped under the family Papilionidae in the order Lepidoptera. Elusive and relatively rare, these butterflies are usually spotted at medium and high elevations.
Habitat of Kaiser-i-Hind
A remarkable trait of the Kaiser-i-Hind is its preference for flying high in the canopies of broad leaved temperate evergreen forests. These types of forests are predominantly found in the Eastern and Western Himalayas. In terms of geographical distribution, the Kaiser-i-Hind, with its 90-120 mm wingspan, is found across multiple locations along the Eastern Himalayas including West Bengal, Meghalaya, Assam, Sikkim, and Manipur.
The presence of this butterfly lends indication to the existence of a well-preserved forest ecosystem. Beyond India’s borders, it has also been observed fluttering in Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and southern China.
Protection Status of the Kaiser-i-Hind
The butterfly’s conservation status is classified as ‘Near Threatened’ according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Additionally, it is listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Introduction to Butterflies
Butterflies, including the Kaiser-i-Hind, are members of the order Lepidoptera within the phylum Arthropoda, a group which also comprises moths. Adult butterflies typically have large, often vibrantly coloured wings, and are known for their noticeably fluttering flight.
In another recent discovery, a Himalayan butterfly known as the Golden Birdwing (Troides aeacus) was identified as India’s largest butterfly, a distinction that hadn’t been bestowed in 88 years.
Significance of Butterflies in Ecosystems
The abundance of butterflies in any given area is generally a reflection of rich biodiversity. Butterflies, including the Kaiser-i-Hind, serve as indicator species. This means their presence offers valuable information about the overall condition of the ecosystem and other species within it. They’re capable of indicating quality and changes in environmental conditions along with aspects of community composition.
Additionally, butterflies also act as pollinators, playing an instrumental role in pollination and conservation of various plant species.
This designation of the Kaiser-i-Hind as the State butterfly of Arunachal Pradesh not only holds significance from a conservation perspective, but it also underscores the importance of butterflies in maintaining and monitoring ecological health.
