Orange Oakleaf- Suryabinayak Municipality

Butterflies are ideal subjects for ecological study in the forests (Molina & Palma, 1996). Butterflies are extremely important group of model organisms used for centuries to investigate many fields of biological research, pest control, embryology, mimicry, evolution, genetics, population dynamics and biodiversity conservation. They are the indicators of a healthy environment and healthy ecosystems and used by ecologist as model organisms to study the impact of habitat loss and fragmentation and climate change. This study is designed to find out the diversity and distribution of butterflies to prepare checklist and provide a baseline for habitat conservation. Furthermore, this research helps to know people’s perception towards butterfly and its conservation.

The information about threatened and endangered species of butterfly in Nepal is very scant and being not listed under protected wildlife category by Department of National parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) has shadowed more researches and better understandings of butterflies.

Suryabinayak forest, Katunje is proposed as the construction site for open zoological and recreation centre by the Government of Nepal. In contrast, no any researches on butterflies have been carried out in Suryabinayak Municipality so far. This study will provide baseline data for initiation of butterfly conservation action plan.

Pollard Transect (1977) method will be followed for transect walk in different habitat of study area and a checklist of species will be prepared. As for statistical test Shannon diversity index, Karl Pearson’s Correlation, Variance analysis and Regression test will be tested. Questionnaire survey will be done in order to know people’s perception towards butterfly conservation, possible conservation issues as well as any conservation approach to be implemented. Field based education program and public awareness program will contribute in sensitization of the issues among the students and local people along with formation trained butterfly watchers group to ensure the sustainability of this project.

Publication of brochures, media approach such as social media (Facebook, twitter, Instagram, e-blog), radio program and weekly basis butterfly watching program will directly contribute in flourishing the importance of butterfly conservation to whole nation and conservation world. Field survey has been estimated to carry out from March - May, 2017.