Butterfly research and conservation work of 14 years submitted to Forest Minister

GANGTOK,: After more than 14 years of dedicated field research, conservation efforts, and biodiversity awareness activities across the forests and mountains of the Sikkim Himalaya, the Butterfly Society of Sikkim – TPCF submitted its extensive body of work to Forest minister PintsoNamgyal Lepcha here.

The society presented years of continuous work on the diversity, habitat, and conservation of butterflies of Sikkim, including 12 scientific research journal papers, documentation of 420 species of butterflies from Dzongu within a 78 sq. km area, along with important field reports on rare, high-altitude, and significant butterfly distributions from different parts of the State, informs a press release on Saturday.

One of the major highlights of the society’s contribution is the discovery of a butterfly species new to science, namely Zographetusdzonguensis from Sikkim, which stands as a proud scientific contribution from the Himalayan region.

The submitted works further included research papers on new distribution records for Sikkim, high-altitude butterfly studies, new host plant records for butterflies, butterfly lifecycle research, habitat documentation, and conservation-based field studies conducted across different forest ecosystems of the Sikkim Himalaya.

For over a decade, members of the society have spent countless days and nights in forests, riversides, remote mountains, and difficult terrains documenting the hidden butterfly diversity of Sikkim. The journey has been filled with both hardships and unforgettable moments from harsh weather conditions, long treks, and challenging field situations to the joy of discovering rare species, witnessing beautiful lifecycles, and contributing valuable scientific knowledge from the Himalayan region. Despite many challenges, the passion for nature, conservation, and biodiversity has continued to inspire the society to move forward.

The Butterfly Society of Sikkim – TPCF has also been actively conducting biodiversity awareness programmes across villages and districts of Sikkim, including interactive sessions with students from different schools and universities. The society further highlighted its plantation drives in coordination with the Forest Department and various awareness campaigns promoting the ecological importance of butterflies, conservation, and environmental protection.

The delegation also shared its conservation experiences and biodiversity engagements beyond the state, including participation and delegation visits to Arunachal Pradesh.

The society also expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for highlighting the rich biodiversity and butterfly diversity of Sikkim during his recent visit to the State, which the society described as a great encouragement and blessing for all conservationists and nature lovers working in the Himalayan region.

The society further extended sincere gratitude to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay for continuously expressing concern and support towards the conservation and protection of Sikkim’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage.

During the interaction, the Forest minister appreciated the sincere and continuous efforts of the Butterfly Society of Sikkim – TPCF and expressed happiness that the society has been doing remarkable work in spreading awareness about the rich biodiversity and natural heritage of Sikkim.

The society reaffirmed its commitment towards continuing butterfly research, biodiversity documentation, conservation awareness, and environmental activities for the protection of Sikkim’s unique Himalayan biodiversity for future generations, the release mentions.