Geyzing district butterfly study tour highlights Rimbi as a Swallowtails hotspot

BIJOY GURUNG

GANGTOK,: A recent nine-day exploration of butterfly haunts in Geyzing district resulted in some fascinating sightings of butterfly species besides listing Rimbi as a Swallowtails hotspot which can be potentially integrated for tourism development.

“Rimbi is the go-to place for Swallowtail fans, especially in late April and all of May when these beautiful butterflies are everywhere. This is the best time to watch them fluttering around,” said the team after completing the butterfly field documentation in various areas of Geyzing district from April 23 to May 2.

“But Swallowtails do more than just look pretty; they're important for nature because they help plants make new seeds by moving pollen around. Their presence not only makes Rimbi more beautiful but also attracts tourists who want to see them. By telling people about how special Swallowtails are and encouraging tourism focused on them, Rimbi can protect these delicate butterflies and help the local economy grow in a way that takes care of the environment,” expressed the team.

The Geyzing district butterfly photowalk was organised by Wiki Love Butterfly (WLB) project in collaboration with the Butterfly Society of Sikkim (BSOS-TPCF) and BSONS. The WLB project was led by Annya Mondal, the representative member of West Bengal Wikimedians User Group.

BSOS-TPCF chief Nosang M Limboo, BSOS president Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha and general secretary Sonam Pintso Sherpa along with enthusiasts Dorjee Lepcha and Lakpa Tshering Lepcha from Dzongu actively participated in the field study. Sandeep Limboo, a young member, also took part in the photowalk.

The team reached Rimbi on April 23 and the next day, explored the area and its surroundings. During their butterfly tour, the team scouted Rangeet and Rimbi rivers, Darap, Upper Rimbik, Rimbi, Yuksom, Dentam, Uttarey, Mukrung and other locations.

It was observed that the Swallowtail family, especially the Papilionidae species, was incredibly active, notably along the river belt in Rimbi. “We witnessed a high concentration of Swallowtail family butterflies, including the Common Windmill (30+), Great Windmill, Six Bar Swordtail (30+), Spectacle Swordtail (20+), and various other species. Notably, we encountered India's largest butterfly, the Golden Birdwing, and numerous Spotted Puffins and Swordtails along the Rangeet River. However, there was a notable decline in the number of Skipper's (Hesperiidae) family butterflies,” said the team.

The team observed over 118 butterfly species, capturing photographs of some of them, during their nine-day study tour. Among the highlights were Common Mime, Rose Windmill, Golden Birdwing, Six Bar Swordtail, Spectacle Swordtail, and Krishna Peacock.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to WLB (Wiki Love Butterfly) and Annya Mondal for their invaluable support, contributing to the resounding success of the trip. This journey not only enriched our understanding of butterflies but also deepened our appreciation for the wonders of nature,” said the BSOS-TCPF.