New wings on the block: Short Banded Sailor lands in Barnawapara

Raipur: The three-day butterfly and moth survey at Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary concluded with a significant finding — the Short Banded Sailor, a butterfly species recorded for the first time in the sanctuary. With this addition, the total number of butterfly species documented in Barnawapara rose from 131 to 132.During the exercise, researchers documented over 75 butterfly species and around 80 moth species. The survey was organised to study and document the region's rich natural diversity and was led by Krishanu Chandrakar, Superintendent of Barnawapara Sanctuary.A total of 42 participants from across India took part, divided into teams that explored various ecological zones — dense forests, grasslands, water bodies, and adjoining rural boundaries. Participants also visited Bar Tourism Village, observing the Bar Museum, heritage stay homes, and the local forest rest house.Butterfly survey trails were conducted in both morning and evening sessions, where participants studied species identification, behaviour, and habitats. A pebble stone art activity and an evening storytelling session were also held, allowing experts and participants to share their field experiences. At night, a moth survey was conducted using the light trap method, with white sheets and UV lights installed at Bar Tourism Village and nearby locations to attract and study moth species. Several rare and visually striking moths were recorded, with detailed findings to be released after further analysis. On the final day, participants revisited their survey trails to validate data before the closing ceremony, where experts, volunteers, and participants were felicitated with Certificates of Participation and saplings as mementos.The team of experts included noted butterfly specialists Gaurav Nihalani, Ajay Mishra, Ravikant Das, Lal Bahadur, and Sunil Bajpai, while Akanksha Chandrakar served as the moth expert. They trained participants on scientific identification, field observation, photography, and data documentation methods.Students from Government College, Lavan, participated as volunteers, assisting in data collection and coordination. Balodabazar Divisional Forest Officer Dhammashil Ganveer said the survey was a meaningful step toward biodiversity conservation. "Such initiatives inspire people to connect with, understand, and protect nature. The findings provide valuable insights into the region's butterfly and moth diversity, aiding in future conservation and management efforts," he said.