India, July 13 -- The National Zoological Park (NZP) on Sunday launched a new citizen science initiative, with 21 participants documenting 12 butterfly species, seven dragonfly species and three damselfly species during its inaugural 'Sunday Butterfly and Dragonfly Walk'. Held from 7 am to 10 am, the walk was led by naturalist and wildlife photographer Ramveer, along with volunteers, and drew butterfly enthusiasts, students, wildlife photographers and nature lovers. Participants recorded observations of more than 500 butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies across the Delhi zoo. The initiative aims to encourage citizens to contribute to documenting insect diversity while learning scientific methods of species identification, observation and biodiversity data recording. Also Read - Vinod Nagar: Constable shoots wife dead on her birthday, flees Among the butterfly species recorded were Plain Tiger, Common Grass Yellow, Lime Butterfly and Yellow Orange Tip, while dragonflies such as Green Marsh Hawk, Scarlet Marsh Hawk and Wandering Glider, and damselflies including Golden Dartlet and Coromandel Marsh Dart, were also identified. Ramveer highlighted the ecological importance of butterflies and dragonflies as pollinators, natural pest controllers and indicators of healthy ecosystems. The zoo also organised the fifth edition of its 'Sunday Bird Walk', led by bird expert Anand Prakash, during which participants recorded 45 bird species.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.