A month-long national survey has recorded 173 butterfly species and more than 558 individual butterflies across Nepal’s six provinces, including several rare, threatened and nationally significant species.

The fourth national big butterfly count was conducted throughout September at more than 25 sites in 15 districts. Karnali was the only province where counting could not be conducted because of unfavourable weather.

The latest count, coordinated by Greenalaya Nepal in association with Butterfly Watchers Nepal, Bhaktapur, and nine local organisations and clubs, recorded an increase from last year. The third national count, conducted in 2025, recorded 129 species and 335 butterflies.

“Besides understanding the status, distribution and numbers of butterflies, the count aims to prepare an updated record of which species are found where in Nepal,” said Siddhartha Sapkota, founder of Greenalaya Nepal and coordinator of the national butterfly count.

A total of 149 enumerators participated, including undergraduate and postgraduate students studying environmental science, zoology, and forestry, as well as wildlife and butterfly photographers. The survey covered Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Makawanpur, Chitwan, Dolakha, Sunsari, Dhanusha, Kaski, Tanahun, Rupandehi, Kanchanpur, among other districts.

Among the notable findings was the Tamur Labyrinth butterfly, considered extremely rare globally, recorded at Godawari in the Kathmandu Valley. Rare Constable, Siren and Himalayan White Flat butterflies were also documented during the count.

The count was conducted in Sudurpaschim for the first time. “There is huge potential for butterfly tourism in Sudurpaschim,” said Binay Krishna Dhakal, coordinator of the count. “Butterfly enthusiasts here are happy that this potential is beginning to be recognised.”

The survey also recorded Common Birdwing and Golden Birdwing butterflies in the Andhikhola corridor in Syangja district. Both are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Conservationist Krishna Prasad Dhakal said butterflies listed under CITES were rare and attractive species whose trade and international transport are prohibited without permits.

The survey further recorded the Krishna Peacock in Danabari of Dharan, Sunsari. The species has been proposed for recognition as Nepal’s national butterfly. Sixteen species listed in the Least Concern category on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, including Pea blue, Bath white, Peacock pansy and Common bluebottle, were also recorded.

Conservationists say September is an appropriate time for the count because it follows the monsoon and coincides with the butterfly breeding season. Abundant vegetation and moisture make butterflies more visible.

Phija Thapa, coordinator of the Rupandehi count, said updated information regarding butterflies could support ecotourism. “Many foreign visitors come to Nepal to watch butterflies. Counting is necessary to collect information about their behaviour and movements,” she said.

Butterflies are considered indicators of environmental health and climate change. Butterfly researcher Sanej Prasad Suwal said they play an important role in pollination after bees. “Pollination is necessary for 80 percent of the world’s food production,” said Suwal. “So butterflies are important not only for ecotourism but also for production.”

Nepal has so far recorded 695 butterfly species, although Mahendra Singh Limbu, who has studied butterflies in the country for five decades, estimates that more than 700 species occur in the country. The highest number—more than 392 species—has been recorded in the Annapurna Conservation Area, followed by more than 350 in Godawari. Chitwan has the highest diversity in the Tarai.

The count relies on photographs and observations uploaded to the iNaturalist platform, allowing butterfly enthusiasts worldwide to view Nepal’s diversity. Butterfly Watchers Nepal began the national campaign in 2023.