Friday, Jul 25, 2025 10:15 [IST]
Last Update: Friday, Jul 25, 2025 04:36 [IST]
GANGTOK,: Nawang Gyatso Bhutia, president of Butterflies and Moths of Sikkim – Nature Conservation Society (BAMOS–NCS) and Limca Book of Records holder, participated in the first-ever High-Altitude Butterfly and Biodiversity Meet held at Mechukha, Shi-Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh, on July 19–20.
A press release informs that the event marked a scientific breakthrough with the first official recording in India of two butterfly species — Metok Green Sapphire (Heliophorus gloria) and Medog Tufted Ace (Sebastonyma medoensis) — previously known only from the Hanmi?Metok region of southeast Tibet. This historic discovery draws national attention to the ecological richness of the Eastern Himalayas and underlines the need for further exploration in this relatively uncharted region.
Organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the two-day biodiversity meet saw enthusiastic participation from 72 individuals — including students, researchers, PhD scholars, academicians, local schoolchildren, community leaders, and nature enthusiasts. Institutions represented included NERIST, Tezpur University, Mizoram University, Digboi College, and ATREE, the release mentions.
An impressive 107 butterfly species were recorded during the meet — a remarkable outcome for a debut event — featuring rare and charismatic species such as the Tiger-mimic Admiral, Tibetan Brimstone, Bhutan Blackvein, Brown Gorgon, Scarce Jester, and three Jungle Queen species.
The meet offered a blend of scientific and community-driven activities including butterfly walks, biodiversity trails, aqua therapy sessions, and interactive awareness games, all aimed at fostering eco-consciousness and grassroots involvement.
Notably, prior to the event on May 31, 2025, the elusive Chinese Rose Windmill butterfly was also documented in Mechukha, reinforcing the region’s status as a biodiversity hotspot with immense potential for research and eco-tourism.
Renowned lepidopterist Dr. Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi lauded these findings as a “scientific milestone that could reshape our understanding of Himalayan biodiversity.”
Speaking at the meet, Nawang Gyatso Bhutia Bhutia emphasized Mechukha's potential as a prime location for butterfly tourism and eco-tourism, offering sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. He extended heartfelt gratitude to Tajum Yomcha, Research Officer and Scientist-B at Namdapha Tiger Reserve, for the invitation, and acknowledged the Department of Tourism, Arunachal Pradesh for organizing the visionary event.
He also expressed sincere thanks for continued support and encouragement in promoting biodiversity awareness to Chief Minister PS Golay, ministers Tshering T Bhutia, Arun Upreti and NB Dahal, and SBS chairman DB Gurung.
