Nature Lovers Unite at NZP’s Butterfly and Bird Walks
The National Zoological Park (NZP) in New Delhi recently held its third ‘Butterfly and Dragonfly Walk’ alongside the 13th ‘Sunday Bird Walk.’ These events are part of a broader initiative aimed at engaging the public in biodiversity monitoring and raising awareness around wildlife conservation. Conducted under expert guidance, the walks took place from 6:45 AM to 10:30 AM today, drawing a variety of nature enthusiasts.
Engaging Nature Enthusiasts
The early morning walks attracted a wide range of participants, including bird and butterfly enthusiasts, students, wildlife photographers, and citizens passionate about biodiversity. With 16 participants in total, the event saw active involvement from the Director of the National Zoological Park and zoo officials, who offered guidance and interacted with attendees throughout the experience.
Discoveries in Bird and Butterfly Species
During the walks, participants documented an impressive 44 species of birds, observing over 700 individual birds. In addition, they identified four butterfly species, as well as one dragonfly and one damselfly species. The relatively low number of butterflies and dragonflies can be attributed to the intermittent rain during the event.
A Notable Sight
One of the standout moments was the sighting of more than 300 Painted Storks, which have recently nested around the pond area in the zoo. Their arrival and nesting signify the ecological value of the Zoo’s wetland and tree habitats. This nesting activity allows visitors, interns, volunteers, and citizen scientists alike to observe natural bird behavior and breeding ecology more closely.
Educational Insights Shared
Sh. C.B. Maurya, a butterfly and dragonfly expert, shared valuable insights regarding the ecology and conservation of these species. He emphasized their crucial roles as pollinators and natural pest controllers, serving as indicators of ecosystem health. The walks not only offered a chance to connect with nature but also helped participants enhance their species-identification skills and cultivate a deeper appreciation for biodiversity.
Fostering Appreciation for Nature
Dr. Sanjeet Kumar, Director of the National Zoological Park, remarked on the value of such nature walks. They provide opportunities for participants to strengthen their field-identification skills, understand food webs better, and contribute to biodiversity documentation. The programme wrapped up with an interactive discussion, participant feedback, and a group photograph with the experts and zoo officials.
Upcoming Nature Walks
Each Sunday Nature Walk is limited to 20-25 participants to ensure a rich learning experience. Those interested must register in advance on a first-come, first-served basis, using a Google Form available from Monday to Friday. The registration link can be found on the official website of the National Zoological Park and via the “NZP Sathi” mobile application.
Looking ahead, the next nature walks—featuring the 3rd ‘Sunday Insect and Spider Walk’ and the 14th ‘Sunday Bird Walk’—are set to take place on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
