Butterfly fauna of Dachigam National Park (DNP), Srinagar-Kashmir, India: Updated checklist and seasonal dynamics

Abstract

The updated survey of butterflies in Dachigam National Park documented 48 species across four families, significantly enriching the baseline information previously reported from the park. Species diversity, abundance, and seasonal patterns showed that Nymphalidae was the dominant family, while Pieris brassicae, Eurema hecabe, and Danaus chrysippus were among the most abundant species. Rare species such as Vanessa indica and Cyrestis thyodama were also recorded, highlighting the ecological importance of the park as a conservation hub. Diversity indices confirmed high biodiversity with even distribution across taxa, underscoring the park’s role as a critical habitat for butterfly fauna in Jammu and Kashmir. This updated checklist provides vital insights for biodiversity monitoring, ecological research, and informed conservation management of this Himalayan ecosystem.