In a landmark event celebrating regional cooperation in biodiversity conservation, Sikkim’s Nawang Gyatso Bhutia, widely known as the “Butterfly Man of Sikkim,” represented India at the 1st Bhutan Butterfly Meet, held under the aegis of the Department of Tourism, Royal Government of Bhutan. The event brought together leading butterfly experts, conservationists, and enthusiasts from Sikkim, West Bengal, South India, Arunachal Pradesh, and Bhutan, marking a new chapter in cross-border ecological collaboration. Bhutia, who also serves as the President of the Butterfly and Moths of Sikkim Nature Conservation Society (BAMOS NCS), played a key role in the meet by sharing his extensive experience in butterfly ecology and conservation.
The event documented around 200 butterfly species, including rare and visually stunning varieties such as Capila zennara (Pale Striped Dawnfly), Cyrestis cocles (Marbled Map), Araotes lapithis (Witch), Helcyra hemina (White Emperor), and Thaumantis diores (Jungle Glory), which captivated participants and visitors alike. The meet, which featured field researchers, wildlife photographers, students, and eco-tour operators, aimed to foster regional partnerships in Lepidoptera research, promote eco-tourism, and raise awareness about habitat protection in the Eastern Himalayas. Participants engaged in workshops and discussions on butterfly identification, host plant relationships, life cycles, moth taxonomy, and nature photography — all essential to understanding and safeguarding these fragile species.
Organisers extended heartfelt thanks to Tshulthrim Wildlifer, Founder of the Butterfly Society of Bhutan, and acknowledged the support of organisations such as RSPN Bhutan, WWF Bhutan, Bhutan Ecological Society, Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation, Bhutan For Life, and Bhutan Birdlife Society (BBLS). Special appreciation was also conveyed to Sikkim’s Minister for Tourism, Shri Tshering T. Bhutia, and GMC Deputy Mayor Smt. Tshering Palden Bhutia for facilitating cross-border cooperation and promoting conservation-led tourism.