Gangtok | May 14, 2026NE Headlines Bureau
In a significant boost to scientific documentation of Himalayan biodiversity, the state of Sikkim has recorded a sharp increase in its butterfly diversity. According to a landmark publication released recently, the number of butterfly species found in the state has risen from 689 to 753.
The updated checklist, titled Butterflies of Sikkim: An Updated Checklist of Sikkim Himalaya, was released by the Butterflies and Moths of Sikkim Nature Conservation Society (BAMOS NCS). The publication highlights the addition of 64 butterfly species to the state’s recognized faunal records.
Authored by noted conservationists Matrika Sharma and Dorjee Chewang Bhutia, the updated checklist is being hailed as a major contribution to biodiversity प्रलेखन (documentation) in the Eastern Himalayas. This region is considered one of the world’s most ecologically sensitive zones, and accurate faunal mapping is crucial for conservation efforts.