Ziro, Oct 5: The 12th edition of the Ziro Butterfly Meet (ZBM) was inaugurated today at the Ziro Butterfly Park, Siikhe Lake by Deputy Commissioner, Lower Subansiri District, Oli Perme in the presence of Keni Bagra, Superintendent of Police and Ngilyang Tam, PCCF-cum-Chief Wildlife Warden, along with other dignitaries.
The Ziro Butterfly Meet, which coincides with 71st National Wildlife Week, is jointly organised by NgunuZiro and the Department of Forests & Environment, Hapoli Forest Division. The event has become a significant annual platform to celebrate biodiversity and promote awareness on the coexistence of humans and nature.
Speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner lauded the efforts of NgunuZiro for sustaining the event for twelve consecutive years. “Launching a project is easy, but sustaining it year after year through challenges is the true achievement,” she remarked. She also appreciated the initiative of the Hapoli Forest Division to transform Ziro into a “cherry valley” and assured full support from the District Administration. Emphasizing community participation, she urged local organizations to take ownership of such conservation-oriented missions.
Superintendent of Police Keni Bagra highlighted the inclusive nature of the meet, stating that events like the ZBM benefit all sections of society. “It is essential for everyone to join hands with the organizers in fulfilling the objective of fostering awareness about the harmony between man and nature,” he said. He also stressed the need to disseminate the lessons learned from such initiatives widely.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Wildlife Warden Ngilyang Tam spoke on the intricate interdependence between humans and biodiversity. He cited instances such as wild dogs preying on mithuns due to the depletion of their natural prey like wild boars and deer caused by indiscriminate hunting. He also drew attention to habitat destruction that has reduced populations of bees and butterflies, consequently impacting pollination and horticultural yields, such as oranges, in parts of the state.
Other speakers included Tilling Taker (DFO, Hapoli), Pura Samybo (President, TSD), Dr. Tasso Kampu Subu(President, AWAZ), and Nani Hanya (President, Apatani GB Association), who shared their perspectives on conservation and community engagement.
A key highlight of the inaugural event was the release of the second edition of the book “Butterflies of Ziro”, a compilation featuring images and essential information on butterflies documented during previous editions of ZBM. The new edition presents data on 242 species of butterflies, up from 186 species in the first edition, reflecting the continued discoveries made by enthusiasts and researchers.
The field activities of the 12th Ziro Butterfly Meet will be conducted at Pange, Tale Wildlife Sanctuary, from October 6 to 8, where participants will explore butterfly habitats and engage in field documentation and conservation awareness sessions.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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