Assam’s Hoollongapar hosts 281 butterfly species, says new book

Naturalist and wildlife photographerSarangapani Neog has identified 281 butterfly species inside the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam. He spent 12 years in the forest. His findings appear in the second edition of his book, “Butterflies of Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary.” The  Hoollongapar Sanctuary, which is home to the endangered western hoolock gibbon, is also one of the richest butterfly habitats in the state where several of the rare winged beauties are found.

This 321-page guide documents the Jorhat district sanctuary. Neog tracked species from 2012 to 2024. The forest spans 20.98 square kilometers. It serves as a vital habitat for the endangered western hoolock gibbon. Evergreen canopies and forest streams create ideal conditions for these insects.

The book simplifies identification. It ditches dense technical text for high-resolution field photos. Each page details a single species. Readers learn by comparing wing patterns, colours, and markings. The guide covers habitat, behaviour, flight seasons, and conservation notes. It is a tool for scientists, forest officials, and students.

Expert naturalists vetted the research. Reviewers include Isaac Kehimkar, Peter Smetacek, Purnendu Roy, Young James, and Saito Motoki. Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu launched the book on June 10, 2026. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya praised the work. Neog states the book aims to, "support biodiversity research, butterfly conservation, environmental education, and future scientific studies while promoting awareness of Assam's rich butterfly diversity." This publication provides a baseline for all future monitoring in the region.