Nomination for India's National Butterfly: Report of the National Butterfly Poll

Butterflies are ambassadors of nature conservation, and they are important biological indicators that reflect the health of our environment. To celebrate these national natural treasures, members of the National Butterfly Consortium, which was formed for this specific purpose from a broad spectrum of nature enthusiasts, educators, scientists and conservationists, organized a National Butterfly Poll in September–October 2020. Citizens of India from a broad swath of cultural, social, educational and occupational backgrounds voted for the National Butterfly in overwhelming numbers. The Krishna Peacock (Papilio krishna) emerged as the most popular choice for India’s National Butterfly, followed by the Indian Jezebel (Delias eucharis) and Orange Oakleaf (Kallima inachus). This report outlines the process and results of the National Butterfly Poll, and requests the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to take up the worthy cause of notifying India’s National Butterfly. This will promote an appreciation of our country’s deep connections to its natural heritage, formally establish an icon of India’s rich insect biodiversity, and create awareness about the beauty, diversity and conservation of India’s splendid butterfly fauna.