Lumbini, Sept. 16 -- Nepal has launched a nationwide effort to count its butterflies, sending more than 100 volunteers to 25 locations to document species, estimate their numbers and record the habitats where they are found.

The month-long 'Big Butterfly Count', which began on September 1 and runs through September 30, comes as researchers say the country still lacks comprehensive and up-to-date data on butterflies, whose diversity and abundance can offer clues to the health of ecosystems.

The campaign is being organised by Butterfly Watchers Nepal and Greenalaya Nepal, which have been working on butterfly research and conservation. This is the fourth nationwide count, said Siddhartha Sapkota, founder of Greenalaya Nepal.

Participants ...