Press Release
Press release from BAMOS-NCS
Information & Public Relations Department
Sikkim’s Winged Heritage Reimagined: State Butterfly Checklist Soars from 689 to 753 Species in Landmark New Publication.
GANGTOK, SIKKIM — The Butterflies and Moths of Sikkim Nature Conservation Society (BAMOS NCS) is proud to announce the official release of the long-awaited book, "Butterflies of Sikkim: An Updated Checklist of Sikkim Himalaya."
Authored by conservationists Matrika Sharma and Dorjee Chewang Bhutia, the publication marks a significant milestone in the documentation of biodiversity within the Eastern Himalayas.
The book was officially released in a prestigious ceremony attended by a galaxy of dignitaries representing the government, academia, and the conservation community. The volume was unveiled by:
Mr. C.S. Rao, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Govt. of Sikkim.
Mr. Khilbarna Gurung, Inspector General of Police, Govt. of Sikkim.
Mr. Suraj Kumar Thatal, Conservator of Forest, Forest and Environment Department, Govt. of Sikkim.
Prof. Dr. Bhoj Kumar Aacharya, Dean, Sikkim Central University and Fellow of the Ecological Society of India.
Dr. Ghanashyam Bastola, Senior Scientist and Programme Manager, The Mountain Institute India.
Dr. Sonam Rinchen Lepcha, Senior Scientist and ADC Development (Mangan), Government of Sikkim
Mr. Kazi Sherpa, Joint Director cum Principal, IHCAC Chemchey, Sikkim.
Rtd. Colonel Dawa Namgyal Bhutia, Retired Secretary, State Sainik Board.
The event saw a vibrant gathering of nature enthusiasts, conservationists, and representatives from various NGOs and government departments, all united by a shared passion for Sikkim’s natural heritage.
The highlight of this updated checklist is the significant revision of Sikkim’s butterfly diversity. While previous records accounted for 689 species, the extensive research and field validation by Sharma and Bhutia have increased the official count to 753 species.
This addition of 64 species to the state’s faunal records underscores Sikkim's status as a global biodiversity hotspot. The book has garnered immediate acclaim for its unique approach—balancing rigorous scientific accuracy with a simplified, accessible format that allows students, tourists, and seasoned researchers alike to engage with the content.
BAMOS NCS extends its deepest gratitude to the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Forest and Environment , Government of Sikkim, for their unwavering institutional support. The society also acknowledges the various agencies and individuals whose contributions were instrumental in bringing this decade-long dream to fruition.
"This book is not just a list; it is a testament to the thriving ecosystems of our mountains," said the authors. "By updating this checklist, we hope to provide a baseline for future conservation policies and inspire a new generation of butterfly watchers in the Sikkim Himalaya."
The Butterflies and Moths of Sikkim Nature Conservation Society (BAMOS NCS) is dedicated to the study, documentation, and conservation of lepidoptera and their habitats in the Sikkim Himalaya through community engagement and scientific research.
GANGTOK, SIKKIM — The Butterflies and Moths of Sikkim Nature Conservation Society (BAMOS NCS) is proud to announce the official release of the long-awaited book, "Butterflies of Sikkim: An Updated Checklist of Sikkim Himalaya."
Authored by conservationists Matrika Sharma and Dorjee Chewang Bhutia, the publication marks a significant milestone in the documentation of biodiversity within the Eastern Himalayas.
The book was officially released in a prestigious ceremony attended by a galaxy of dignitaries representing the government, academia, and the conservation community. The volume was unveiled by:
Mr. C.S. Rao, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Govt. of Sikkim.
Mr. Khilbarna Gurung, Inspector General of Police, Govt. of Sikkim.
Mr. Suraj Kumar Thatal, Conservator of Forest, Forest and Environment Department, Govt. of Sikkim.
Prof. Dr. Bhoj Kumar Aacharya, Dean, Sikkim Central University and Fellow of the Ecological Society of India.
Dr. Ghanashyam Bastola, Senior Scientist and Programme Manager, The Mountain Institute India.
Dr. Sonam Rinchen Lepcha, Senior Scientist and ADC Development (Mangan), Government of Sikkim
Mr. Kazi Sherpa, Joint Director cum Principal, IHCAC Chemchey, Sikkim.
Rtd. Colonel Dawa Namgyal Bhutia, Retired Secretary, State Sainik Board.
The event saw a vibrant gathering of nature enthusiasts, conservationists, and representatives from various NGOs and government departments, all united by a shared passion for Sikkim’s natural heritage.
The highlight of this updated checklist is the significant revision of Sikkim’s butterfly diversity. While previous records accounted for 689 species, the extensive research and field validation by Sharma and Bhutia have increased the official count to 753 species.
This addition of 64 species to the state’s faunal records underscores Sikkim's status as a global biodiversity hotspot. The book has garnered immediate acclaim for its unique approach—balancing rigorous scientific accuracy with a simplified, accessible format that allows students, tourists, and seasoned researchers alike to engage with the content.
BAMOS NCS extends its deepest gratitude to the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Forest and Environment , Government of Sikkim, for their unwavering institutional support. The society also acknowledges the various agencies and individuals whose contributions were instrumental in bringing this decade-long dream to fruition.
"This book is not just a list; it is a testament to the thriving ecosystems of our mountains," said the authors. "By updating this checklist, we hope to provide a baseline for future conservation policies and inspire a new generation of butterfly watchers in the Sikkim Himalaya."
The Butterflies and Moths of Sikkim Nature Conservation Society (BAMOS NCS) is dedicated to the study, documentation, and conservation of lepidoptera and their habitats in the Sikkim Himalaya through community engagement and scientific research.
