A Decade of Discovery: 420 butterflies documented in Dzongu

Sonam Wangchuk’s decade-long quest to chronicle Dzongu’s Thamblyok 

GANGTOK, : Forest & Environment minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha on Monday officially released the journal paper ‘10 Years, 420 Butterflies: A Gift from Dzongu to the World’ in celebration of Sikkim’s 50 Years of Statehood.

The Forest minister congratulated the Butterfly Society of Sikkim-TPCF on this remarkable achievement.

“This publication is a tribute to a decade of dedicated research and conservation, and a proud offering from Dzongu to the world, where an astounding 60.95% of all butterfly species recorded in Sikkim are found. It stands as a powerful testament to Dzongu’s ecological significance and Sikkim’s deep-rooted commitment to preserving its natural heritage,” said Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha who co-authored the journal recording his findings which were published by Wildlife Information Liaison Development Society.

Sonam Wangchuk, a conservationist, has spent more than 10 years to photograph and document 420 butterflies found in his native region of Dzongu in North Sikkim. Astonishingly, nearly 61% of butterflies found in Sikkim are from Dzongu itself.

“After 10 years of walking through forests, climbing hills, crossing rivers, and spending countless days and nights under the open sky, I am deeply happy and proud to share that I have recorded 420 species of butterflies from Dzongu, a small but beautiful area in Mangan District of Sikkim,” said Sonam Wangchuk. He maintained that his labourious effort to promote Sikkim’s rich biodiversity is not just his personal achievement.

“This is not just my personal achievement; it’s a significant moment of pride for everyone from Dzongu. Our home, rich in forests, culture, and traditions, has now been recognized as one of the world’s most important places for biodiversity. While Sikkim is already known as a global hotspot for butterflies according to the Government of India, what fills me with even more pride is that over 60.95% of all butterflies found in Sikkim are from Dzongu itself. This shows that Dzongu is not just a beautiful place, but a true treasure of biodiversity,” said Sonam Wangchuk.

The 36-year-old hails from Noom Panang, Upper Dzongu. He took up study and photography of butterflies (Thamblyoks) at his native place from May 6, 2016 and over the years, discovered a new butterfly species for the world - Chocolate-bordered Flitter (scientifically, Zographetus dzonguensis), was discovered in Dzongu, North Sikkim. The new species was named after Dzongu, the region where it was found.

Sonam Wangchuk added that this milestone of 50 years of Statehood is a reminder of Sikkim’s growth. Through my work, I contribute to preserving Dzongu's rich biodiversity, offering it as a gift to our future, ensuring Sikkim’s natural beauty thrives for generations to come, he said.

“My journey has been full of challenges. There were days when I walked from morning to evening without seeing a single butterfly. Some days, heavy rain, landslides, or leeches made it difficult to continue. I’ve gotten lost in thick forests, crossed dangerous rivers, and waited for hours under trees, all just to catch a glimpse of a butterfly. People often laughed, questioning why I spent so much time on butterflies, but deep inside, I knew I was doing something meaningful, something for my Dzongu, my people, and for the future of our biodiversity.”

“Every butterfly I saw gave me new hope. Each colorful wing reminded me to never give up on my dream. Today, I feel that all the pain, sweat, and struggles were worth it,” said Sonam Wangchuk.

He thanked senior butterfly experts Nosang M. Limboo and Sonam Pintso Sherpa, who have always guided and encouraged him in his quest to chronicle Dzongu’s gift to the butterfly world.

Sonam Wangchuk also extended his thanks to Butterfly Society of Sikkim-TPCF team members Mingdup Lepcha, Janukit Lepcha, Dawa Lepcha, Lhendup Lepcha, Puja Rai, Ukee Bhutia, and Lakpa Tshering Lepcha. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your hard work in the field, your passion for butterflies, your endless patience, and your friendship. We walked together, explored together, and dreamed together. This achievement belongs to all of us,” he said.

“This work is my small gift to Dzongu and to the people of Sikkim. I hope this story inspires many young people to step outside, explore nature, protect our forests, and appreciate the tiny wonders of life that contribute to the incredible biodiversity around us,” said the Dzongu native.