During their recent research expedition in North Sikkim, butterfly documentation teams have documented a total of 44 butterfly species across different altitudes of Lachung Valley, which also includes some rare species.
The Wiki Love Butterfly (WLB) project, in partnership with the Thamblyok-Butterfly Society Of North Sikkim (BSONS), organized a seven-day butterfly photowalk in Lachung. Annya Mondal, representing the West Bengal Wikimedians User Group, led the event. The Thamblyok-BSNS team, comprising President Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha, Vice President Sonam Wangchuk Rongkup Jr, Coordinator Dilip Dhakal, Field Coordinator Dawa Lepcha, and Lakpa Tshering Lepcha, participated.
During the expedition, the Thamblyok-BSONS documented 44 butterfly species at elevations ranging from 2700m to 4276m in Lachung’s valleys, including Yumthang, Damong, Katao, and Chungthang, as well as at 1663m in the Chungthang area. Notable discoveries among the butterflies in Lachung’s valleys include Ladakhi and Swallowtail species, while in the Chungthang area, the Dusky Labyrinth and Swift species were observed.
The group mentioned that, based on local observations, the main butterfly season spans from June to September. However, during their fieldwork, they noted rare sightings in May. They found it particularly noteworthy that there were few Ladakhi Tortoiseshell butterflies, with only 2 out of 80-100 Indian Tortoiseshell butterflies spotted, along with 4 Common Yellow Swallowtails in Katao, 2 in Yumthang valleys flying at high altitudes, and 1 between the Lachung and Chungthang areas.
The Thamblyok-BSONS group highlighted Lachung as an excellent spot for butterfly watching, noting the residents’ keen interest in these creatures. Locals shared insights into the butterflies’ behaviour and schedules, observing their presence in fields during flowering seasons and their tendency to gather and sunbathe around cow and yak sheds. They also appreciated the varied sizes, colours, and patterns of the butterflies, finding them aesthetically pleasing.
This trip marked the first butterfly study venture for Thamblyok-BSONS in Lachung, with the group eagerly anticipating more such excursions in the future. The BSONS is dedicated to documenting North Sikkim’s butterflies for conservation and research purposes, aiming to contribute to the scientific understanding of local ecosystems and biodiversity.
According to Thamblyok-BSONS, documenting butterflies can inspire youth to develop an interest in nature and conservation, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility for their local environment. They believe that involving young people in butterfly documentation can empower them to become future conservation leaders, thus supporting Sikkim’s sustainable development.
Through butterfly documentation, BSONS aims not only to preserve species information but also to promote eco-tourism and environmental education in North Sikkim. Additionally, they believe that this effort enhances the cultural and ecological richness of the region, contributing to its identity and sense of place.
