Tibetan entomologist devoted to butterflies
In the quiet focus of a Tibetan research lab, a striking gray butterfly, its wings patterned with white stripes and adorned with golden circles, lies preserved for posterity. This specimen is but one of the over 300 species newly discovered in the expansive terrains of Southwest China’s Xizang autonomous region, each a testament to the rich biodiversity cloaked within this elevated landscape.
Dawa, a seasoned entomologist with a lifelong dedication to understanding the insect realm, anchors the research team at a regional plateau biology institute. At 55, his career spans more than three decades, all devoted to the study of insects, particularly butterflies. “Discovering a new species is always exhilarating, hinting at the vast unknown still to be explored in our natural world,” Dawa shares, his eyes reflecting a deep passion for his work.
Exploring the rugged beauty of Xizang is not without its challenges. Dawa and his team face the extreme elements head-on: battling high ultraviolet radiation, dealing with unpredictable weather, and navigating complex landscapes. Despite these hardships, their commitment never wavers, traversing nearly 20,000 kilometers annually across mountains, valleys, and lakes, in pursuit of uncovering the mysteries held by the highland insects.
The team’s adventures are filled with both wonder and peril. Their longest expedition took them to the dense rainforests of Metog county, an area teeming with life but also presenting its own set of challenges such as intense heat, high humidity, and a multitude of biting insects. Through sunburn, hunger, and fatigue, they’ve collected tens of thousands of specimens, each offering insights into the ecological tapestry of the region.
The inquiry into Dawa’s unwavering zeal for his work often leads to a tale from his youth, where a simple encounter with a cabbage white butterfly among flowers ignited a lifelong passion for these ethereal creatures. Initially met with hesitation from his family, his dedication eventually won their support, with his mother Lungzin becoming one of his biggest advocates. “I’ve followed his journey through every article he’s written. Understanding his life’s work has brought us closer,” she remarks.
In 2017, a significant milestone was reached with the initiation of a comprehensive catalog of Xizang’s butterflies, a pioneering venture meticulously documenting the over 600 species residing in the region. This catalog not only lists their scientific names in Mandarin, Tibetan, and Latin but also details their morphological characteristics, ecological relationships, and geographical distributions.
“Our catalog remains a work in progress,” Dawa admits, stressing the importance of butterflies in evaluating and preserving the ecological integrity of the plateau. “If our endeavors contribute even minutely to the conservation of biodiversity, then every effort is worthwhile,” he concludes, his resolve as strong as ever in the face of the immense task ahead.
Dawa’s journey speaks to a profound connection with the natural world, a reminder of the dedication needed to preserve our planet’s delicate biodiversity. Through the meticulous study and cataloging of the plateau’s butterfly species, he and his team highlight the importance of each creature in the intricate web of life, inspiring others to appreciate and protect the irreplaceable treasures of our natural world.
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