First photographic record of the butterfly Himalayan Sordid Emperor (Chitoria sordida sordida) has been reported from Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh.

About Himalayan Sordid Emperor

  • It is a butterfly species belonging to the Nymphalidae family.
  • Known for brownish wing patterns and typical basking behaviour on rocks.
  • Usually found in tropical forest habitats at lower elevations.

Key Highlights of Discovery

  • Recorded in Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve, one of India’s richest biodiversity areas.
  • Observed near a forest stream (Lunkai Nalla).
  • Identification based on:
    • Wing patterns
    • Antennae structure
    • Colouration
  • No specimen collected; record is based on photographic evidence.

Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve

  • Located in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh
  • Lies along the India–Myanmar international border
  • Spread over 1985.23 sq. km
  • Situated at the junction of:
    • Indian subcontinent biogeographic region
    • Indo-China biogeographic region
  • Bounded by:
    • Dapha Bum ridge (Mishmi Hills)
    • Patkai ranges
  • Shares boundary with Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary
  • River system:
    • Namdapha River (tributary of Noa-Dihing) flows north to south
  • Namdapha is unique because it contains multiple forest types across altitudes:
  • Tropical evergreen, Moist deciduous, Temperate and Alpine scrub.
  • Flora (Plant Diversity):Presence of rare species like:
  • Pinus merkusii
  • Abies delavayi
  • Home to Blue Vanda (rare orchid)
  • Medicinal plants:
    • Mishimi Teeta (Coptis teeta) → used by local tribes
  • Fauna (Animal Diversity): Large mammals:
  • Elephant
  • Himalayan Black Bear
  • Himalayan Sun Bear
  • Primates:
    • Hoolock Gibbon (India’s only ape)
    • Slow Loris
  • Only park in the world with four big cat species:
    • Tiger
    • Leopard
    • Snow Leopard
    • Clouded Leopard

Significance of the Finding

  • Marks a range extension for the species.
  • Earlier known from:
    • Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam, Manipur
    • Bhutan and Myanmar
  • Not recorded in earlier checklists of Arunachal despite ~175 species of Nymphalidae documented.

Exam Hook

Prelims (MCQ)

With reference to the Himalayan Sordid Emperor, consider the following statements:

  1. It belongs to the Nymphalidae family of butterflies.
  2. It has been recorded for the first time in Arunachal Pradesh.
  3. It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
  4. It is commonly found in desert ecosystems.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer: (a)

One Line Wrap

The Himalayan Sordid Emperor’s discovery in Arunachal highlights Northeast India’s unexplored biodiversity and the need for deeper ecological research.

Source

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Ajmal IAS APSC Foundation Course

Recent Posts

Start Yours at Ajmal IAS – with Mentorship StrategyDisciplineClarityResults that Drives Success

Your dream deserves this moment — begin it here.