Context
Recently, a new species of butterfly has been discovered in the semi-evergreen forests of the Lepa Rada district in central Arunachal Pradesh. Scientific researchers have christened this new-to-science species as Euthalia zubeengargi, giving it the common name ‘Basar Duke’.
1. Basar Duke (Euthalia zubeengargi)
- Discovery Site: Found in the Basar region of Lepa Rada district, Arunachal Pradesh.
- Naming: It is named after the iconic Assamese singer Zubeen Garg as a tribute to his cultural influence in the Northeast.
- Physical Features: It belongs to the genus Euthalia (commonly known as Dukes and Barons). It is characterized by olive-brown wings with distinct white markings and a unique turquoise-green underside.
- Habitat: It prefers the shaded understory of humid, semi-evergreen forests at elevations between 600–750 metres.
- Rarity: Researchers have documented only a few individuals, suggesting the species is highly localized and potentially rare.
2. Kaiser-i-Hind
- Status: Declared the State Butterfly of Arunachal Pradesh in 2021.
- Meaning: The name literally translates to “Emperor of India.”
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Near Threatened.
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II.
- CITES: Appendix II.
- Habitat: High-altitude temperate evergreen forests (6,000–10,000 ft). Its presence is considered an indicator of a healthy forest ecosystem.
3. Conservation and Ecological Significance
- Indicator Species: Butterflies serve as excellent bio-indicators; their presence or absence reflects the health of the local micro-climate and vegetation.
- Pollination: They play a crucial role as pollinators for various Himalayan flora.
- Legal Protection: Many of these rare species are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, to prevent illegal trade by collectors.
Q. With reference to the 'Basar Duke', recently seen in the news, consider the following statements:
1. It is a newly discovered butterfly species endemic to the Western Ghats.
2. It has been named after a famous Indian cultural icon from Northeast India.
3. It belongs to a genus of butterflies that are typically found in high-altitude alpine meadows.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Solution: (a) Only one
• STATEMENT 1 INCORRECT: The Basar Duke (Euthalia zubeengargi) was discovered in Arunachal Pradesh (Eastern Himalayas), not the Western Ghats.
• STATEMENT 2 CORRECT: The species is named after Zubeen Garg, a legendary singer and cultural icon from Assam.
• STATEMENT 3 INCORRECT: It belongs to the genus Euthalia, which typically inhabits shaded understories of semi-evergreen and moist forests, rather than high-altitude alpine meadows.
