A landmark scientific publication documenting the rich butterfly diversity of Northeast India has been released by Assam-based independent butterfly researcher and wildlife photographer Sarangapani Neog. Titled Butterflies of Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary – Second Edition, the book is the result of more than 12 years of dedicated field research conducted between 2012 and 2024 in Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Assam’s most important biodiversity hotspots.
Published by Photo Musings Colour Lab, Guwahati, the 321-page full-colour volume documents 281 butterfly species recorded from the sanctuary, making it one of the most comprehensive references on the butterflies of the region. The publication has been developed as a scientific resource for researchers, students, forest officials, conservationists, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts.
Each species account features high-resolution colour photographs, updated scientific taxonomy, identification features, habitat and behavioural information, flight season, conservation notes, and photographic identification keys designed to simplify accurate species identification.
The publication highlights the exceptional butterfly diversity of Northeast India while contributing valuable scientific data for biodiversity research, conservation planning, ecological monitoring, and environmental education. It also emphasizes the ecological significance of Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary and the urgent need to conserve the region’s fragile ecosystems.
One of the major highlights of the second edition is the inclusion of photographic identification keys, providing an easy-to-use visual guide for identifying butterfly species. The author believes this feature will greatly benefit field researchers, students, forest personnel, citizen scientists, photographers, and butterfly enthusiasts.
The scientific quality of the book has been strengthened through valuable guidance and reviews from internationally respected butterfly experts and naturalists, including Purnendu Roy, Isaac Kehimkar, Peter Smetacek, Young James (Chairman, Lepidoptera Society Hong Kong), and Saito Motoki.
The book was officially inaugurated by Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Honourable Minister of Education, Government of Assam, on 10 June 2026. The publication also received a congratulatory message from Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Honourable Chief Minister of Assam. The author further had the opportunity to present the butterfly conservation initiative to Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Honourable Governor of Assam.
Speaking on the occasion, Sarangapani Neog said that the publication is not only a scientific record but also an effort to inspire greater appreciation for the remarkable butterfly diversity of Northeast India and encourage future research, conservation, and environmental awareness.
The book is currently available through Amazon.in and selected academic institutions and bookstores.
With increasing global attention on biodiversity conservation, Butterflies of Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary Second Edition stands as an important contribution from Northeast India, showcasing the region’s extraordinary natural heritage while promoting scientific research and conservation for future generations.