Bhubaneswar, March 2: A group of budding photographers in the city has taken a great initiative for conserving and mapping the butterfly population in the state.

Titled 'The Butterfly Project,' it aims at establishing a detailed distribution atlas for the butterfly diversity and plotting the various species on a comprehensive map. It would be followed by promoting butterfly conservation and planting gardens at various regions of Odisha that are thronged by these colourful insects in large numbers.

The project has been taken up by a group of six photographers from the city-based photography club Mushroom.

"Butterfly population has been highly affected by habitat destruction and it is only by knowledge and understanding of these insects that we can hope to make them a part of our civilisation," said Sumon Sinha, the leader of the group.

Sinha said the idea to map butterflies sprung after they conducted photography sessions at a number of coastal plains and highlands of the state like Satkosia and Similipal.

"We occasionally go on a photography spree and during our visits to various places, we have come across a mind-boggling 162 species of butterflies. Our interest grew and we did extensive research on the flora and fauna of the state. We also came to know that the butterfly species that were seen in abundance even five years back have simply vanished. That is why we decided to start documenting them. We provide data to taxonomists and also generate information on the butterfly diversity of Odisha," said Sinha.

It would also help in identifying the species and seek solutions to increase their population.

"Butterfly conservation is absolutely necessary because they have the habit to react quickly to even minor changes in the environment and are hence considered as good indicators of biodiversity. And needless to say, they are also known for being efficient pollinators," said Sinha.

The group of photographers are busy identifying new butterfly habitats through an extensive use of technical tools and advanced softwares.

The documentations, in images, publications as well as videos, will be taking specific areas and diversity hotspots into account.

"We have begun with the local parks and the adjoining areas of Bhubaneswar and gradually would move to the forests and uplands. We are discussing with the forest officials for assistance," said Sinha.

They would also get in touch with the local authorities to set up gardens in various municipal wards that are bound to attract butterflies.