Blue Duke Butterfly declared State Butterfly of Sikkim on Environment Day

IPR, GANGTOK, JUNE 5 2022: On the World Environment Day, the Blue Duke Butterfly which is also known as Bassarona durga was declared the State Butterfly through the unveiling of a state symbol poster at an event organized at Saramsa Garden on Sunday organized by the Sikkim Forest Department in which Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang was present. The Forest Department illustrated about the natural and cultural values of UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Khangchendzonga National Park.' 

Short videos titled' Khangchendzonga National Park' and' Epic Himalayan Carbon Neutral Campaign' were screened. The Chief Minister planted the saplings of a white palm tree near the venue. Nosang M Limboo was felicitated by the Chief Minister for his outstanding contribution to promote environmental conservation and sustainable practices. 

Likewise, Shri Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha was also felicitated for the discovery of new butterfly species in 2021.The Chief Minister also felicitated the Champions of Epic Himalayan Carbon Neutral Campaign 2022: Green Rider (Cyclist) Tshering Gyatso Bhutia, and Green Runner Phurba Tamang.

The Chief Minister said environment conservation was a top priority of the State Government and it was important to protect, nurture and preserve the natural habitats and rich biodiversity of Sikkim. 

PTI, Gangtok, Jun 5 : Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on the occasion of World Environment Day on Sunday declared Blue Duke the state butterfly. He made the announcement at a function held here. 

Of the 720 species of butterflies found in Sikkim, Blue Duke was selected as the state butterfly securing 57 per cent votes in a recent online poll conducted by the Forest Department. 

Blue Duke, which goes by the scientific name Bassarona durga durga, is unique to Sikkim and the eastern Himalayas. 

It was discovered in the state in 1858. Blue Duke falls in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and is a protected species in the Himalayas.