The first anniversary of Colin Smith’s passing invites us to reflect on the profound legacy of a man whose passion for butterflies transformed our understanding and appreciation of these delicate creatures in Nepal. Fondly known as “Putali Baaje” (Grandfather of Butterflies), Colin dedicated much of his life to studying, documenting, and conserving the butterflies of Nepal, inspiring generations of enthusiasts, researchers, and conservationists.
SANEJ PRASAD SUWAL
#wildlife researcher # butterflylover #hodophile #nemophile
Sunday, November 3, 2024
A Legacy of Butterfly Conservation in Nepal
Friday, September 27, 2024
My Journey with the Big Butterfly Count Nepal 2024: Reflections and Future Hopes.
As I sit down to reflect on the Big Butterfly Count Nepal 2024, I feel gratitude, excitement, and a sense of achievement. This event has been a labor of love that I, along with the support of Butterfly Watchers Nepal and the Nature Conservation and Study Centre, have poured our hearts into. It's incredible to see how far we've come in making butterfly conservation not just a scientific endeavor but a movement that engages and inspires people across Nepal.
A Celebration of Wings and Wonder
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| Paris Peacock |
I've always been captivated by butterflies. These small, delicate animals remind us of the beauty and frailty of life as they flutter through woodlands and meadows. There is something special about them. Our goal for the Big Butterfly Count Nepal 2024 was to encourage people to take action for conservation, foster a greater appreciation for butterflies, and foster connections between people and nature.
I was astonished by the turnout. In seven distinct districts, we conducted nature excursions with 120 participants and observed 95 species of butterflies belonging to six families. Seeing people together for this common love of nature—from young children to seasoned butterfly enthusiasts—was amazing.
Observing the excitement on the faces of first-time participants was one of the most satisfying parts of the experience. Witnessing someone discover the wonder of butterflies for the first time fills me with a unique thrill and serves as a constant reminder of why I work in this field.
Learning and challenges Along the way
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| Butterfly expert Mahendra Singh Limbu with participants |
I learned from this experience that conservation affects people just as much as it does animals. Our ability to educate and involve more individuals will increase our effect. I'm an enthusiastic supporter of citizen science, and I think this is a great way to close the communication gap between the general public and environmentalists.
Looking Ahead: What's Next?
Upon considering the accomplishment of this event, I find myself filled with enthusiasm for the times ahead. This is the start of something more than a one-time project. We want to grow the Big Butterfly Count Nepal next year by including more districts, local communities, and schools, particularly in the more isolated areas.
Establishing year-round butterfly monitoring programs that will enable us to monitor population dynamics over time is one of our future objectives. This kind of long-term data collection is essential since many species are threatened by habitat loss and climate change. To raise awareness and engage more people, we also aim to produce additional instructional content, such as podcasts, workshops, and videos.
"Conservation isn't just about saving species - it is about creating a world where people and nature can thrive together."
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| Lush green vegetation of Godavari: A perfect butterflies heaven |
A Thank you from the Heart
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| Common Siren |
Here's to more butterflies, more nature hikes, and more memories to come!
Monday, August 5, 2024
Embracing the Flutter flies : Big Butterfly Count Nepal 2024
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| Panoramic view of lush green forest of Godavari |
The beautiful scenery of Godavari, Lalitpur, came to life on Saturday, August 3, 2024, with fluttering wings and brilliant hues as butterfly enthusiasts gathered to commemorate the Big Butterfly Count Nepal 2024. Nature enthusiasts, scientists, and interested citizens gathered for this captivating event, which was co-hosted by Butterfly Watchers Nepal, the Nature Conservation and Study Center, and the Biodiversity Research and Conservation Society.
"Butterflies are nature’s angels. They remind us what a gift it is to be alive."
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| Mahendra dai sharing his stories |
The program's main objective was to encourage people to count butterflies in their backyards, gardens, and woodlands to include them in scientific studies. In addition to providing insightful data for butterfly research, participants in this citizen science project strengthened their bonds with the natural world and environmental conservation initiatives.
Guided by butterfly experts Mr. Mahendra Singh Limbu and Mr. Bimal Raj Shrestha, the participants recorded an impressive 32 species of butterflies throughout the day. Their knowledge and excitement emphasized the value of each butterfly visitor, highlighting how each butterfly is essential to the environment. Prominent photojournalist Mr. Susheel Shrestha was also in attendance, capturing the subtle elegance and vivid variety of these flying marvels.
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| Participants trying to photograph butterfly at canopy |
| Punchinello |
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| Participants in frame |
Sunday, March 17, 2024
Comic strips: Butterfly Conservation
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
World Wildlife Day 2024: Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation
World Wildlife Day 2024 is a significant event that celebrates the diverse and beautiful wildlife on our planet. The theme for this year is "Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation," which emphasizes how important technology is to preserving the environment. The convergence of digital innovation and wildlife conservation offers promising prospects for safeguarding threatened species, maintaining natural habitats, and increasing public consciousness regarding environmental concerns.
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| ©Cheng Hui Xin/ Winner of the annual WWD Poster Contest. |
Conservation efforts for wildlife are being revolutionized by digital technologies like data analytics, satellite tracking, and artificial intelligence. These instruments make it easier for researchers to keep an eye on animal numbers, follow migratory patterns, and identify illicit activities like poaching. Conservationists may generate positive change by implementing focused interventions, making educated decisions, and engaging with a global audience by leveraging the potential of digital innovation
- Camera traps: These tools enable researchers to track the activities of different species and monitor wildlife populations by capturing pictures and videos of the creatures they catch.
- Remote sensing and GIS: These technologies gather information on ecosystems and wildlife habitats using satellites, offering important insights for conservation efforts.
- Environmental DNA (eDNA) and genomics: These methods identify species in a local area by analyzing DNA samples from soil or water, thereby contributing to the preservation and protection of ecosystems.
- Drones: These unmanned aerial vehicles are useful for following animal movements, conducting aerial surveys, and keeping an eye on wildlife populations.
- Tagging and collaring: Researchers can track an animal's movements and behaviors by attaching satellite tracking devices to it.
- Acoustic monitoring: By capturing and analyzing animal sounds, this technique can be used to learn more about the distribution and behavioral patterns of various species.
- Artificial intelligence (AI): To enhance wildlife identification and monitoring, AI is used to evaluate vast volumes of conservation data, including photos and audio recordings from satellites, drones, and camera traps.
- Networked sensors: By connecting online, these sensors create a complete picture of an animal's movements and behaviors, which makes it possible to monitor and safeguard wildlife populations.
- Digital financial services and systems: Preventing fraud in the illegal trade of plants and animals is made easier by electronic CITES permitting systems.
- Gaming and digital experiences: Digital experiences and gaming have the potential to engage individuals with important conservation issues, particularly younger and more proficient technology audiences.
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Pangolins: The Guardians of the Forest
| ©Naresh Kusi |
Pangolins are solitary, preferring to wander alone, and are nocturnal
in nature. They especially prefer to live in forest areas and grasslands. This
uniquely featured Pangolin's diet includes ants and termites.
Pangolins have long tongues and strong claws, which help in
finding and eating the ants and termites hiding in the pits, holes, and cracks
of the ground.
Among the nine pangolin species surviving in the world, Nepal
shelters two: the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) and the
Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata).
A recent national survey uncovered the presence of pangolins
in 43 districts of Nepal. Approximately 5000 Chinese pangolins are
estimated to reside in Nepal.
Importance
©Naresh Kusi
Pangolins are a vital part of our ecosystem. Pangolins are considered
as the guardians of the forest. Because they protect forests from the
destruction caused by invasive species, they also help to maintain a balanced
ecosystem.
Threats
However, their future is threatened by the slaughter of Pangolins, and illegal poaching and trade for meat, deforestation, and loss of habitat. Pangolin is mainly consumed as a delicacy in countries like Vietnam and China. It has been found that Pangolin’s carcasses are used in the production and trade of traditional medicines used to cure various diseases. However, this has not been scientifically proven. Pangolin skin is also processed into leather products such as shoes, belts, and bags. Due to illegal poaching and trade, the Pangolins have been deprived of their right to live. They are victims of cruelty and greed.
Conservation
We can manage and promote their protection and proper living. All conservationists, researchers, and the public should work together tirelessly to protect, conserve, and protect and enhance the habitat of these delicate creatures. Keeping this in mind, the Government of Nepal has classified both the Pangolin species as endangered under the National Red List under Schedule 1 of the National Parks and Wildlife Protection Act, 1973. Along with this, the protection of Pangolins and proper habitat arrangements have been included in the conservation areas at the national level.
Keeping this in mind, the Government of Nepal has classified both the Pangolin species as endangered under the National Red List under Schedule 1 of the National Parks and Wildlife Protection Act, 1973. Leading this matter, the Government of Nepal aims to improve law enforcement against wildlife crime, expand protected areas, and coordinate with local communities through educational initiatives and the establishment of community poaching control units to encourage more involvement in conservation. Other research and conservation-oriented organizations are also taking various initiatives for Pangolin conservation and are making tireless efforts to raise awareness about the illegal wildlife trade and the importance of Pangolin conservation. At the same time, sustainable conservation policies are being implemented in cooperation with local communities to develop sustainable livelihoods and alternative sources of food at the community level. As a result of the formulation and implementation of sustainable conservation and promotion policies, there has been a significant reduction in the hunting or destruction of natural habitats done by the locals for livelihood
Conclusion
It is the responsibility of all of us to properly manage the habitat of Pangolins, which are about to disappear from the world, to protect them from illegal poaching and trade, to regulate them, to maintain the natural ecosystem, to ensure their natural livelihood through rehabilitation and sustainable protection.
If not Now then when?
Let's all come together to protect the Pangolins and find a proper place for them.
Every positive action definitely has a great outcome.
| ©Naresh Kusi |
Friday, August 11, 2023
WORLD ELEPHANT DAY 2023
Background
The biggest land mammals on Earth are elephants. Elephants come in two varieties: African elephants and Asian elephants. The biggest are African elephants, with males weighing up to 6,000 pounds. Asian elephants are a little bit smaller and can weigh up to 4,000 pounds in males. Elephants are highly gregarious and intellectual creatures. They can dwell in herds of as many as 100 animals. Elephants are herbivores and consume grasses, leaves, fruits, and bark in their diet. Elephants are highly sensitive creatures as well. They are known to build close ties with one another and to grieve for their deceased.
In recent years, there has been a lot of research on elephants. They have taught scientists much about their ecology, genetics, and behavior. We are developing conservation plans and improving our understanding of elephants thanks to this research. Sub-Saharan Africa is the home of the African elephant. Southeast Asia, India, and China are the habitats of Asian elephants.
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| ©Alex Strachan/Pixabay |
Population and Scenario
Elephant populations have drastically decreased in recent years. According to estimates, there are still 30,000 Asian elephants and 415,000 African elephants in the wild. Elephant numbers are declining as a result of a variety of issues, including poaching, habitat loss, and human conflict.
Elephants are most at risk from poaching. Elephants are killed so that the ivory from their tusks can be used to manufacture jewelry and other beautiful products. Africa has a serious poaching issue since there is a big demand for ivory. Another significant concern for elephants is habitat loss. Elephants require a lot of space to forage and wander. However, human activities like industrialization and deforestation are destroying their environment. Elephant conflicts with humans are another issue. Elephants occasionally destroy property or crops, which can cause conflict with people. In certain instances, these confrontations result in the killing of elephants as retaliation.
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| ©Alan/Pixabay |
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| ©Sasin Tipchai/Pixabay |
Threats
Elephants are most at risk from
- Poaching
- Habitat degradation
- Conflict with humans.
- The changing climate
- Anti-poaching methods
- Localized conservation initiatives
- Protection of the environment; education and publicity campaigns
- Research
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Celebrating Butterfly Education and Awareness Day: Preserving the Graceful Wonders of Nature
"Butterflies teach us the beauty of transformation and serve as a constant reminder to safeguard their habitats for future generations."
Introduction: Butterfly Education and Awareness Day (BEAD), which is observed on the first Saturday of June (June 3, 2023) is an annual event organized by the Association for Butterflies (AFD), that brings people together to appreciate and protect these tiny, winged wonders of nature. In addition to captivating us with their vivid colors and beautiful flight, butterflies are essential pollinators in our ecology. The purpose of this yearly celebration is to serve as a reminder to encourage learning, increase awareness, and take action to safeguard these amazing animals and their habitats.
"Protecting butterflies means safeguarding the delicate threads that hold our ecosystems together."
Conservation Strategies: Effective conservation methods must be put in place if we are to safeguard butterflies and their habitats. Some crucial strategies include:
1. Preserving and restoring habitats: By protecting natural areas like wetlands, meadows, and forests, we can guarantee that butterflies will have access to places that are ideal for migrating, nesting, and feeding. It is crucial to protect these places from pollution and urbanization.
2. Making gardens that are butterfly-friendly: The best strategy to draw in and maintain butterfly populations is to establish native blooming plants that serve as host plants and sources of nectar for butterfly larvae. We can provide an ongoing food source for adult butterflies by planting gardens with a range of flowering plants that bloom throughout the season.
Conclusion: Butterflies demand our attention and protection because of their fleeting beauty and crucial pollination role. The day dedicated to promoting butterfly education and awareness serves as a reminder to value these vulnerable animals and protect their habitats. We can make sure that future generations will be able to see the exquisite dance of butterflies in our natural environments by embracing education, increasing awareness, and putting conservation policies into practice. Let's work together to celebrate and protect these beautiful natural wonders for future generations.
"Through research and conservation, we hold the power to protect the fragile wings that carry the hopes of our ecosystem."
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Celebrating World Bee Day 2023: Honoring Nature's Tiny Heroes
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| © Hans Benn/ Pixabay |
World Bee Day, which is observed on May 20, is intended to increase public awareness of the value of bees and other pollinators. These amazing critters help pollinate flowers, fruits, and vegetables, which is an essential part of their function in maintaining our ecosystems. On this unique day, we come together to honor the amazing job done by bees and to recognize the need of preserving and protecting their natural habitats.
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| © rostichep/ pixabay |
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| © Gerd Altmann/ pixabay |
Let's take to appreciate the complex web of life that bees support on this World Bee Day. Share the significance of this day and the relevance of these people with your friends, family, and social networks. Encourage people to support the cause and improve their own neighborhoods.
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| © Ted Erski / pixabay |
The annual observance of World Bee Day serves as a reminder of the crucial contributions bees make to our food and ecological systems. Together, we can make sure that bees have healthy homes and continue to play an important pollination function. Let's give thanks for these amazing creatures on World Bee Day and pledge to preserve them for future generations.
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