Provincial Butterflies of Sri Lanka are considered flagship species. Sri Lanka is home to a rich diversity of butterflies. The island hosts 245 butterfly species, of which 23 are endemic. Among them, 76 species are considered nationally threatened, mainly due to habitat loss, environmental degradation, and pollution. In response to these challenges, the government has taken an important step to promote butterfly conservation.
To raise awareness and promote regional conservation, Sri Lanka has named nine butterfly species as Provincial Butterflies—one for each province. These butterflies are:
The Butterfly Expert Group, under the Biodiversity Secretariat of the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energy, selected these species after careful evaluation.
The Butterflies are flagship species. Their bright colors and delicate beauty attract attention, making them ideal ambassadors for conservation. By linking each province with a unique butterfly, researchers aim to build a stronger regional identity and encourage local pride and protection of butterfly habitats.
In addition to provincial butterflies, Sri Lanka has also declared a National Butterfly—the Sri Lankan Birdwing (Troides darsius). It is the largest butterfly on the island and a symbol of the country’s natural heritage.
Today, it’s rare to see the large swarms of butterflies that were common 30 years ago. Through the declaration of Provincial Butterflies, Nation hopes to revive interest in butterfly conservation, protect natural habitats, and educate the public on the importance of biodiversity.
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