"National Learn About The Butterflies Day 2023" - hiking to commemorate the day.

Every year on March 14th, National Learn About Butterflies Day is observed, and this year, in 2023, it falls on the same day. This day is dedicated to the study and observation of butterflies, their behavior, habitat, and environmental importance. It's a fantastic opportunity to teach people about the need of maintaining and protecting these magnificent species and their habitats.

Butterflies are interesting organisms that play an important role in the ecosystem. They perform an important role in pollinating flowers and crops, ensuring the survival of many plant species. They are also an important food source for many other creatures, including birds, small mammals, and insects. Butterflies have a distinct and extensive life cycle, making them a popular subject of study for both scientists and nature enthusiasts.

People are invited to learn more about these amazing insects, their habitats, and their significance in the environment on National Learn About Butterflies Day. There are numerous opportunities to watch these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, including visiting a butterfly garden or conservatory, participating in a butterfly count, or simply taking a walk in a nearby park or nature reserve.

In light of this, Bhaktapur Jaycees, Nature Conservation and Study Centre, and Butterfly Watchers Nepal held a trekking and butterfly-watching event on March 11, 2023, in collaboration with the Division Forest Office, Bhaktapur.

A butterfly specialist led the hike, which was accompanied by eight butterfly aficionados. Participants varied from novice butterfly observers to expert lepidopterists. The hike started at 7:15 a.m. from Suryabinayak temple and continued along the scenic trail until Mali Gaon, Sipadol via Doleshwor Mahadev temple. The trail was around 5 kilometers long and of moderate difficulty. The sky was partly cloudy, and the weather was mild. The hike came to an end around 2:15 p.m. Indian Tortoiseshell, Cabbage White, Indian Fritillary, Common Sailer, Indian Skipper, Bevan Swift, Banded Treebrown, Dark Clouded Yellow, Peacock Pansy, Chocolate Pansy, Pale Clouded Yellow, and Pale Grass Blue were among the 101 butterflies seen during the hike. The expert informed the audience about butterfly habitat, behavior, and lifespan. Furthermore, the group learned how to use an insect net to capture and observe butterflies up close without harming them.

Mr. Sanej Prasad Suwal, a butterfly expert, taught the participants basic butterfly identification techniques such as wing patterns, colors, and size. They also demonstrated how to use a field guide to identify various species. Participants were interested and engaged during the trek, asking questions and sharing their observations.

The hike and butterfly-watching program planned for National Learn About Butterflies Day 2023 was a big success. The participants had a great time learning about the diversity and significance of butterflies in the ecosystem. The program also promoted the conservation of these amazing insects by improving public awareness of their habitat and behavior. Such activities help to foster a love of the environment and its biodiversity in individuals, which is essential for a sustainable future.

Finally, National Learn About Butterflies Day is a fantastic opportunity to educate ourselves about the value of butterflies and their contribution to the ecosystem. We can learn more about these fascinating creatures and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the natural world around us by participating in activities such as visiting a butterfly garden or conservatory, taking part in a butterfly count, or simply taking a walk through a nearby park or nature reserve. Let us use this day to recall the wonder and beauty of butterflies, as well as the significance of conserving and maintaining them and their habitats for future generations.