A Butterfly Bonanza Marks Sikkim’s Golden Jubilee
In celebration of Sikkim’s 50th Statehood anniversary, a decade-long butterfly documentation project from Dzongu reveals 420 species, including one newly discovered, highlighting the region’s extraordinary biodiversity and conservation efforts.
On Monday, a landmark journal titled ‘10 Years, 420 Butterflies: A Gift from Dzongu to the World’ was officially released, marking a fitting tribute to Sikkim’s 50 years of Statehood. The paper celebrates a decade-long journey of dedication, curiosity, and conservation led by Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha and the Butterfly Society of Sikkim-TPCF.
Described as “a powerful testament to Dzongu’s ecological significance”, the publication reveals that a staggering 60.95% of all butterfly species found in Sikkim have been recorded in Dzongu alone—an area in North Sikkim often known more for its remote beauty than scientific discovery.
Sonam Wangchuk, a conservationist hailing from Noom Panang in Upper Dzongu, spent over ten years photographing and documenting 420 species of butterflies found in his native region. His journey wasn’t all sunshine and roses. “There were days I walked from dawn to dusk without spotting a single butterfly. Rain, landslides, and leeches tried their best to put me off. I even got lost in the forest once,” he recalled with a wry smile. “But every time I saw a flash of colour among the leaves, I knew I was on the right path.”
And it wasn’t just familiar wings that fluttered into his frame. Sonam discovered a new species entirely—the Zographetus dzonguensis, or Chocolate-bordered Flitter—named after Dzongu, the land it calls home. This discovery not only added to the global butterfly index but also underscored Dzongu’s status as a biodiversity haven.
“This is not just my personal triumph—it’s a collective moment of pride for everyone in Dzongu,” said Sonam. “Our forests, our culture, our land—they’re not just beautiful, they’re vital. This work is my small gift to our people, to Sikkim, and to the world.”
Sonam’s passion for butterflies—known locally as Thamblyoks—began in earnest on 6th May 2016. Since then, he has braved everything from ridicule to rough terrain in his bid to showcase the hidden ecological wealth of his homeland. “People often laughed, wondering why I bothered chasing butterflies. But I always knew this was about more than insects—it was about heritage, about our identity, and about preserving something fragile and irreplaceable.”
In true team spirit, Sonam gave full credit to his mentors and fellow butterfly enthusiasts. He extended special thanks to senior experts Nosang M. Limboo and Sonam Pintso Sherpa for their guidance, and to his team members Mingdup Lepcha, Janukit Lepcha, Dawa Lepcha, Lhendup Lepcha, Puja Rai, Ukee Bhutia, and Lakpa Tshering Lepcha. “This wasn’t a solo stroll. We walked together, explored together, and dreamed together. This belongs to all of us.”
As Sikkim celebrates five decades of Statehood, this journal offers more than data—it offers hope. “Through my work, I hope to inspire young people to step outside, to look closely at the world around them, and to understand that even the smallest wings can carry the weight of a future.”
So next time you’re in Dzongu, look a little closer. Among the misty hills and ancient forests, there’s magic in the air—tiny, fluttering, and utterly unforgettable.
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