A nationwide butterfly census is in full swing as part of the 29-day ‘Big butterfly count’ campaign, initiated by Butterfly Watchers Nepal, Bhaktapur. The event, which began on March 3, will continue until March 31, aiming to document the species diversity, distribution, and population of butterflies across the country.

According to Sanej Prasad Suwal, founder of Butterfly Watchers Nepal and a butterfly expert, the project is designed to identify which butterfly species exist in Nepal, their locations, and their population size. This third edition of the census has been themed ‘Butterfly Marathon’ to encourage participants to record as many sightings as possible. The initiative also includes an incentive, with prizes for those capturing the highest number of butterfly photographs.

Butterfly Watchers Nepal is a platform that conducts research on butterflies, works on conservation, education, and awareness. The campaign is timed to coincide with peak butterfly activity, which is typically observed between March and July. The census is currently taking place in 25 locations, including Pokhara, Dharan, Itahari, Hetauda, Lumbini, Bardiya, Surkhet, Jhapa, and Kanchanpur.

The second butterfly census recorded over 250 species, with participation from more than 300 observers. This year, students from science, zoology, and management faculties, as well as photography enthusiasts, have joined the initiative. Nepal is home to 692 recorded butterfly species, ranging from the lowlands at 100 metres above sea level to the high Himalayas at 7,000 metres.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, butterflies play a crucial ecological role. As pollinators, they contribute significantly to the reproduction of crops, oilseeds, and fruits. They also serve as indicators of climate change and forest health. Wildlife expert Hem Sagar Baral expressed his belief that butterflies promote ecotourism, reinforcing the importance of conservation efforts.