A spotted butterfly has flitted back into view in Sikkim, pleasing nature enthusiasts and researchers as well. The 'Spotless Baron' (Euthalia recta), a butterfly rarely seen in the wild, was recently spotted at Dzongu in North Sikkim, marking its return after a lapse of five years.
Where was the butterfly spotted and why is it significant?
Renowned environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha took the elusive insect into his possession on October 19, 2025, in the same area where it was first spotted on October 29, 2019. The sighting reinforces Dzongu's rich biodiversity and its position as a critical ecological zone in the Eastern Himalayas.
The Spotless Baron is differentiated from its relatives by the absence of the white spots that give the Baron species its identity. Because of its rare appearances, every confirmed sighting holds great significance for lepidopterists and conservationists.
What else is happening in butterfly conservation efforts?
In a related event, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein attended the 2nd Wakro Butterfly Meet, organised as part of the 8th Northeast Butterfly Meet at Wakro in Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary on Thursday.
Mein praised the Kamlang Valley Nature Club, the Butterflies of North Eastern India Group, Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary staff, and volunteers for their collective work in conserving the region’s butterfly diversity. He said such events inspire communities to protect their ecosystems while promoting eco-tourism as a sustainable means of livelihood.
“Butterflies are vital to maintaining our ecological balance. It is encouraging to see young people taking the lead in preserving biodiversity,” Mein said during the event.
What are the government’s plans for eco-tourism and conservation?
Mein announced that the State Government will soon develop a Nature Trail in Kamlang along with an Angling Spot nearby. He stated that these initiatives are focused on promoting responsible tourism along with supporting the local communities.
He also announced proposals for setting up a Butterfly Park in a remote and ecologically appropriate region of Arunachal Pradesh. The park, when set up, will be a specialised centre for research, conservation, and ecotourism.
Mein added that these kinds of initiatives would support preserving a fine balance between development and nature protection so that the wealth of the region will continue to flourish for generations to come.
(Inputs From ANI)
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