Spending Time with Butterflies

The Nilgiri Biosphere Nature Park, in collaboration with the Zoo Outreach Organization, Information Conservation Information Network of South Asia (ICINSA), and the IUCN SSC South Asian Invertebrate Specialist Group (SAsISG), conducted a Butterfly Workshop for the public on 09 August 2025 at the Nilgiri Biosphere Nature Park, Anaikatty. The event was held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and aimed to create awareness about butterfly diversity, conservation, and monitoring techniques. A total of 30 participants were selected for the workshop on first-cum-first-served basis. The programme included: -Interactive sessions on butterfly diversity, survey techniques, and preservation methods. -A two-hour field visit to observe butterflies in their natural habitat. -Educational games highlighting threats to butterfly populations. -Creative activities for children, including butterfly drawing and life cycle model making. The resource team comprised Mr. Vishnu Prasad from NBNP, Ms. Usha Ravindra, Dr. Chaitra Shree, and Ms. Paloma from the Zoo Outreach Organization, who jointly facilitated the sessions and field activities. During the field survey, participants recorded a total of 46 butterfly species gaining practical experience on field identification and ecological observation (Table 1). The workshop successfully blended education, hands-on fieldwork, and interactive activities, leaving participants more informed and inspired to contribute towards butterfly conservation.