A new book titled “The Butterflies of Sikkim – An Updated Checklist of Sikkim Himalayas” was officially launched in the presence of Additional Chief Secretary C.S. Rao and other dignitaries, marking a significant milestone in butterfly documentation and biodiversity research in the Himalayan region.
10 May 2026
Published by Butterflies and Moths of Sikkim–Nature Conservation Society (BAMOS–NCS), the book is the outcome of more than 15 years of dedicated efforts by butterfly enthusiasts, citizen scientists, photographers, and conservationists from across Sikkim.
The publication has been authored by Matrika Sharma and Dorjee Chewang Bhutia along with contributions from members of BAMOS–NCS. The book aims to enhance awareness, encourage scientific research, and strengthen conservation efforts related to butterfly diversity in the Himalayan region.
The updated publication revises the checklist of butterflies found in the Sikkim Himalayas from 689 species to 753 species, adding 64 new species to the existing records. It also includes recent butterfly sightings and research findings from Sikkim and adjoining Himalayan regions such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Bhutan, Nepal and southern Tibet.
