Discovery of Paintbrush Swift Butterfly in Himachal Pradesh

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What is the news?

- The recent discovery of the Paintbrush Swift butterfly in Himachal Pradesh is a significant event for conservationists and nature lovers alike.
- This rare butterfly species had never been photographed in the state before, and its presence there is a testament to the richness of its biodiversity.

The data on butterflies in Himachal is available:

- In India, the State provides support for approximately 430 different butterfly species, which accounts for roughly 25% of the total number of butterfly species found in the country.

Where it is discovered?

- This butterfly species is sighted at lower hills of the Dhauladhar mountain range in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.

Who discovered?

- The butterfly species was photographed during a field survey conducted under the Wild Bhattiyat Project initiated by the Bhattiyat Forest Range of the Dalhousie Forest Division of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department.

What is the Paintbrush Swift butterfly?

- The Paintbrush Swift butterfly, scientifically known as Baoris farri, is a charming little butterfly species that can be spotted in various regions of India, including the northeast, central, and south.
- This butterfly belongs to the Hesperiidae family, which happens to be the largest family of butterflies. The Paintbrush Swift is usually recognized by the presence of two distinct spots in the upper forewing cell.
- Species closely related to the blank swift do not have a cell spot, whereas the figure-of-eight swift has two cell spots that are joined together.
  The larvae of this species have a diet that includes bamboo and a few other types of grass.
- The habitat distribution of the Paintbrush Swift is quite widespread in northeast, central, and south India, but it is relatively uncommon in Uttarakhand.

What makes the discovery of the Paintbrush Swift in Himachal Pradesh so important?

- The Paintbrush Swift Butterfly, scientifically known as Baoris farri, was initially identified and documented by the esteemed lepidopterist Frederick Moore approximately 145 years ago.

- This place was located in the eastern Himalayas, which is known for its remarkable biodiversity and abundance of distinct plants and animals. It is quite remarkable that this butterfly was recently spotted and recorded in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. This is especially noteworthy because there have been no photographs of this butterfly in this area since it was first discovered. Not only does it showcase the incredible variety of plants and animals in the area, but it also reminds us of how crucial it is to continue protecting and preserving them.
- It’s actually a new record for our state, which means we’ve discovered something truly remarkable. Not only that, but it also expands the known range of this particular species. Additionally, the fact that the Paintbrush Swift can be found in Himachal Pradesh indicates that the state provides a suitable habitat for this particular species. The reason why it’s important is because the Paintbrush Swift is facing a serious threat due to the loss and fragmentation of its habitat.

What does the discovery of the Paintbrush Swift in Himachal Pradesh mean for conservation efforts?

- The recent finding of the Paintbrush Swift in Himachal Pradesh serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to protect natural habitats. The forests and other natural areas in our state are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the beautiful Paintbrush Swift. We must prioritize the protection of these areas from development and other potential threats.

Here are the main highlights from the editorial titled “Paintbrush Swift Butterfly Captured in Himachal Pradesh for the First Time”:

- For the first time ever, the beautiful paintbrush swift butterfly, a rare species found in the western Himalayas, has been captured on camera and recorded in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.
- In Himachal Pradesh, there are approximately 430 different species of butterflies, which accounts for about 25% of all butterfly species found in India.
- The beautiful paintbrush swift butterfly was initially documented by the lepidopterist Frederic Moore over 145 years ago in the stunning eastern Himalayas.
- Since the Wild Bhattiyat Project was launched in 2022, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has been able to identify and document 120 different species of butterflies in the state. Among these species are some that are not commonly found, such as the anomalous nawab, blank swift, tailed jay, and siren.
- The habitat distribution of the paintbrush swift butterfly is quite common in northeast, central, and south India, but it is considered rare in Uttarakhand.
- The paintbrush swift butterfly can be recognized by the presence of two distinct spots in the upper forewing cell.
- Butterflies are especially sensitive to changes in their surroundings. These changes can include things like losing their homes, not having enough plants to lay their eggs on, the use of harmful chemicals, cutting down forests, and the effects of a changing climate.
- It’s really exciting to see the paintbrush swift butterfly being spotted in Himachal Pradesh! This is a great sign that the biodiversity in the area is thriving. It’s a reminder that we need to take action and work towards conserving this beautiful species and its habitat.
- I believe it would be beneficial to incorporate various initiatives into conservation efforts. For instance, the creation of butterfly parks and conservation reserves, as well as the establishment of butterfly rearing or breeding centers, could greatly contribute to the preservation of these delicate creatures. Additionally, planting native host plant species and enhancing habitats can provide a conducive environment for butterflies to thrive. Lastly, raising awareness about the significance of butterflies is crucial in ensuring their protection for future generations.
  We should pay special attention to butterfly species that live in high altitudes. These butterflies are in serious danger because their habitats are being destroyed, and their populations have decreased a lot in the past few years.

QuizTime Now:

Which of the following is NOT a member of the Hesperiidae family?

(a) Paintbrush Swift butterfly
(b) Skipper butterfly
(c) Swallowtail butterfly
(d) Monarch butterfly

- Answer is C

What is the main threat to the Paintbrush Swift butterfly?

(a) Habitat loss and fragmentation
(b) Climate change
(c) Overharvesting
(d) All of the above

- Answer is D

What is the scientific name of the recently discovered butterfly species in Himachal Pradesh?

a) Hesperia baoris
b) Baoris farri
c) Paintbrush Swiftus
d) Hesperiidae himachalensis

- Answer: b) Baoris farri

Mains Question:

What are some of the measures that can be taken to protect the habitat of the Paintbrush Swift butterfly in Himachal Pradesh?

Model Answer:

The following are some of the steps that can be taken to safeguard the Paintbrush Swift butterfly’s habitat in Himachal Pradesh:

- Create protected areas: Places like butterfly parks and conservation reserves can serve as safe havens for the Paintbrush Swift butterfly and other animals. These habitats and food sources can be protected by managing these places.
- Plant native host and nectar plants: The Paintbrush Swift butterfly survives by feeding on selected host and nectar plants. Planting these plants in butterfly habitats and other areas where the butterfly can be found will assist to increase the butterfly’s population.
  Pesticides should be used sparingly since they can affect the Paintbrush Swift butterfly and other species. Pesticide reduction can help to safeguard the butterfly’s habitat and food supplies.
- Educate the local community: It is critical to educate local communities about the importance of butterfly conservation. This can assist to raise awareness about the importance of conserving the Paintbrush Swift butterfly and its habitat.
  In addition to the steps listed above, the following can be taken to safeguard the Paintbrush Swift butterfly’s habitat in Himachal Pradesh:
- Reduce habitat fragmentation: When broad regions of habitat are split up into smaller, isolated bits, this is known as habitat fragmentation. This makes it harder for the Paintbrush Swift butterfly to travel around and locate food and mates. Reducing habitat fragmentation can boost the butterfly’s survival chances.
- Forests are vital habitat for the Paintbrush Swift butterfly, thus they must be managed sustainably. Sustainable forest management measures, such as selective logging and tree replanting, can aid in the conservation of the butterfly’s habitat.
  Monitor the butterfly population: It is critical to monitor the Paintbrush Swift butterfly population in order to track its status and identify any risks. This data can be utilized to create effective conservation initiatives.
  By following these steps, we can help safeguard the Paintbrush Swift butterfly’s habitat in Himachal Pradesh and secure its survival for future generations.

Question 2:

Discuss the importance of butterflies in the ecosystem.

Model Answer is:

- Butterflies are vital pollinators in the ecosystem. Pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred from the male (stamen) to the female (pistil) component of a flower. This is required for plant reproduction to occur. Butterflies pollinate many different plants, including food crops, fruits and vegetables, and wildflowers.
- In addition to serving as pollinators, butterflies provide food for other species such as birds and bats. Butterflies are also part of the food chain, and their presence serves to keep nature in balance.
- Butterflies are also key indicators of ecological health. Butterfly species are diverse when the habitat is healthy. However, as the ecosystem deteriorates, so does the diversity of butterfly species. This is due to the fact that butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment, such as habitat loss and fragmentation, pollution, and climate change.
- As a result, butterflies play a vital role in the environment. They are important pollinators, a food source for other animals, and markers of environmental health. It is critical to maintain butterflies and their habitat in order for them to continue to play an important part in the ecosystem.

In addition to the aforementioned functions, butterflies play the following roles in the ecosystem:

- Seed dispersal: Butterflies can aid in seed dispersal by depositing seeds on their feet or bodies as they travel from plant to plant. This can aid in the spread of plants to new places.
  Soil erosion prevention: As they burrow and dig, butterflies and other insects help to mix the soil. This aids in the improvement of soil fertility and the prevention of soil erosion.
- Butterflies are attractive organisms that contribute to the aesthetic value of the surroundings. They’re also popular for nature photography and other sorts of art.
- Butterflies, in general, play a crucial part in the ecology and in human lives. It is critical to safeguard these animals and their habitat.

Relevance to the Prelims and Mains syllabus under the following topics:

Prelims:

- Environment and Ecology
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Wildlife Management

Mains

GS III: Environment and Ecology
Conservation, environmental pollution/degradation, environmental impact assessment
GS IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
Conservation, environmental ethics, sustainable development