Butterfly Conservation Leader Nawang Gyatso Bhutia Represents India at Bhutan’s First Butterfly Meet

The Kingdom of Bhutan successfully concluded the first edition of the Bhutan Butterfly Meet, organized with the support of the Department of Tourism. The event marked a milestone in regional collaboration for biodiversity conservation, bringing together experts and enthusiasts from Sikkim, West Bengal, South India, Arunachal Pradesh, and Bhutan.

Representing Sikkim, the Butterfly Man of Sikkim and President of Butterfly and Moths of Sikkim Nature Conservation Society (BAMOS NCS), Shri Nawang Gyatso Bhutia, actively participated in the event, contributing his vast knowledge and experience in butterfly studies. Around 200 butterfly species were recorded during the meet, including rare and remarkable ones such as Capila zennara (Pale Striped Dawnfly), Cyrestis cocles (Marbled Map), Araotes lapithis (Witch), Helcyra hemina (White Emperor), and Thaumantis diores (Jungle Glory) — which emerged as the main attraction of the event.

The meet witnessed enthusiastic participation from field researchers, students, wildlife photographers, tour guides, operators, and butterfly enthusiasts from both India and Bhutan. It fostered valuable cross-border knowledge exchange, strengthened community engagement, raised awareness about butterfly conservation, and promoted eco-tourism in the Eastern Himalayas.

Participants shared insights on butterfly identification, host plant relationships, life cycles, moth identification, and butterfly photography, emphasizing the importance of protecting the region’s Lepidoptera diversity.

Heartfelt gratitude was extended to Tshulthrim Wildlifer, Founder of the Butterfly Society of Bhutan, for his leadership and initiative in organizing this successful event. Appreciation was also conveyed to the Department of Tourism, Bhutan, and supporting organizations including RSPN Bhutan, WWF Bhutan, Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation, Bhutan Ecological Society, Bhutan For Life, and Bhutan Birdlife Society (BBLS) for their collaboration and support.

Special thanks were also extended to Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Sikkim, Shri Tshering T. Bhutia and GMC Deputy Mayor Smt. Tshering Palden Bhutia for their support.