Wakro Butterfly Meet records 131 species on opening day

Wakro's rich wilderness came alive with a flutter of colours as nature enthusiasts recorded an impressive 131 butterfly species, including around 10 rare varieties, on the opening day of the third Wakro Butterfly Meet 2026 in Arunachal Pradesh's Lohit district. The meet, aimed at celebrating the region's remarkable biodiversity and promoting wildlife conservation, brought together 83 students from schools and colleges across Namsai, Wakro and adjoining areas, besides six guests from different parts of the country. Organised by the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in collaboration with the Kamlang Valley Nature Club, the event offered participants an opportunity to step beyond classrooms and explore the fascinating world of butterflies and their natural habitats. The opening day began with a guided nature walk through Wakro's biodiversity-rich landscape, where students turned young explorers, identifying butterflies, birds, plants and other elements of the forest ecosystem. The participants also experienced nature meditation, an interactive activity designed to deepen their connection with the environment and encourage a greater appreciation of the natural world. The highlight of the day was the documentation of 131 butterfly species, including around 10 rare varieties, underscoring the ecological significance of the region and its importance as a habitat for diverse butterfly populations. An interactive session in the evening brought participants face-to-face with experts who shared fascinating insights into wildlife, conservation and nature photography. Among the resource persons were nature educator Dr Lobsang Tashi Thungon, wildlife photographer Tallo Anthony and Roshan Upadhayay, popularly known as the 'Butterfly Man of Arunachal'. #arunachalpradesh #northeastindia #wakrobutterflymeet #butterflies