Diversity of Swallowtail (Papilionidae) Butterfly Species of Saiden Community Forest, Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya, India

Butterflies are ecologically significant bioindicators which are recognized for their sensitivity to environmental changes and habitat specifics. The present study assessed the diversity and relative abundance of Papilionidae in the Saiden Community Forest, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya, from January to December 2021 with the objective to document the Papilionidae butterfly composition of the area. Field surveys were conducted using the Modified Pollard Walk method across three habitat types—Riverine Forest, Closed Canopy Forest, and Open Forest, the transect was laid at 1000m each with monthly sampling. A total of 15 species belonging to three genera (Papilio, Graphium, and Troides) were recorded. The genus Papilio was dominant (60%), followed by Graphium (23%) and Troides (17%). Among the species, Papilio helenus helenus (12.70%) and Troides helena (10.48%) were the most abundant, whereas Papilio clytia and Papilio demoleus demoleus (2.86% each) were the least. Four of the recorded species are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, that includes Graphium aristeus anticrates, Papilio clytia, Troides aeacus, Troides helena. The findings underscore the ecological value of community-managed forests in sustaining swallowtail diversity and underline the need for monitoring and habitat conservation strategies to mitigate anthropogenic pressures. This study provides baseline data for future biodiversity assessments and conservation planning.