Butterflies are ecologically significant insects that function as pollinators, prey species, and sensitive bioindicators of ecosystem health. To establish baseline data on butterfly diversity in hilly habitats, a systematic survey was conducted in the Kadamgiri region of Talaja, Gujarat, India. The study documented species occurrence and abundance through direct visual encounter surveys and photographic records across representative microhabitats. A total of 38 species belonging to five families—Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, Papilionidae, and Hesperiidae—were recorded. Among these, Nymphalidae exhibited the highest richness, while Pieridae and Lycaenidae contributed substantially to overall abundance. Papilionidae and Hesperiidae, though less represented, added ecological significance to the assemblage. Diversity indices revealed a Shannon Index (H′ = 3.58), indicating high species diversity, and a Pielou’s Evenness Index (J′ = 0.95), reflecting an even distribution of individuals across species. The balanced representation across families suggests that Kadamgiri’s hilly green landscape provides heterogeneous microhabitats capable of sustaining diverse butterfly guilds. These findings highlight the ecological importance of Kadamgiri as a biodiversity‑rich natural habitat. The baseline data generated here can serve as a foundation for long‑term ecological monitoring, habitat management, and conservation planning in Gujarat. By documenting species diversity and abundance, this study underscores the role of hilly green regions in supporting pollinator communities and maintaining ecosystem resilience amidst environmental change.