An Untapped and Undocumented Butterfly Diversity in a Rapidly Urbanizing and Fragmenting Forest Habitat in Pokhara, Nepal: First Checklist and Implications for Conservation and Ecotourism

Butterflies serve as sensitive bioindicators of ecological health, with their diversity strongly influenced by anthropogenic disturbances such as urbanization and habitat alteration. Lakeside, located in Pokhara, Nepal, is among the most urbanized areas in the country, with its eastern boundary adjoining the Methlang Forest. Despite harboring rich biodiversity, this forest remains under-documented. Between 2017 and 2021, modified Pollard Walk surveys were conducted on an opportunistic basis to assess the species composition, richness, and seasonal distribution of adult butterflies. A total of 225 species, representing six families and 122 genera, were recorded within a 2.1 km² area. Species richness showed a distinct bimodal seasonal pattern, with the highest diversity observed in May (n = 107) and April (n = 102), followed by October (n = 90), and the lowest in December (n = 33) and January (n = 61). Notable records included the first report of Burara anadi anadi (de Nicéville, 1884) from Nepal, as well as rare sightings of Pithauria murdava (Moore, 1866), Prosotas bhutea (de Nicéville, [1884]), and Liphyra brassolis brassolis (Westwood, 1864), all documented after at least three decades in the country. This study presents the first checklist of butterflies from this rapidly urbanizing and ecologically fragmenting tourism hub, highlighting the urgent need for conservation initiatives. The potential of butterfly-based tourism, alongside other forms of wildlife tourism, is also discussed as a pathway to balance biodiversity conservation with economic development in the Himalayan region.