India, March 31 -- A community forest in Meghalaya's Ri-Bhoi district has emerged as a significant biodiversity hotspot, with a recent study documenting a rich diversity of swallowtail butterflies, including several legally protected species. The findings highlight both the ecological importance and vulnerability of these landscapes.

The study, conducted by A.D. Marbaniang and S.R. Hajong, recorded 15 species of swallowtail butterflies (Papilionidae) in the Saiden Community Forest over a year-long survey. The research underscores the crucial role community-managed forests play in biodiversity conservation.

Surveying riverine, closed-canopy, and open forest habitats, researchers found that the genus Papilio dominated, accounting for 60% ...