<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"><b>GANGTOK,: </b>Two rare butterfly species <i>Shirozuozephyrus kirbariensis</i> - Kirbari Hairstreak and <i>Callerebia narasingha</i> - Mottled Argus have been photographed for the first time in Sikkim, marking a significant milestone in local biodiversity research.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">This achievement was made possible by Lhendup Lepcha, an executive member of the Butterfly Society of Sikkim – TPCF, it was informed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Both butterflies were spotted in Dzongu, a pristine and remote area in the Mangan district. Dzongu is already recorded a butterfly hotspot.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">The Kirbari Hairstreak was photographed near Tholung Monastery, located in Upper Dzongu at an altitude of 2,900 meters. The Mottled Argus, was captured in Laven, also in Upper Dzongu, at a lower altitude of 1,530 meters.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">“Interestingly, these butterflies’ photographs have only been recorded in Arunachal Pradesh, as per the Butterflies of India database. The book on Butterflies of Sikkim Himalaya by Meena Haribal lists both species by their scientific and common names but does not provide any photographic records. This makes these new photographs from Sikkim particularly significant, as they are likely the first visual evidence of the species in the region,” said the Butterfly Society of Sikkim.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Adding to the importance of this discovery is the fact that Dzongu is home to three hairstreak species till now. They are Euaspa pavo - <i>Peacock Hairstreak</i>, <i>Euaspa milionia milionia</i> - Himalayan Water Hairstreak, and <i>Shirozuozephyrus kirbariensis </i>- Kirbari Hairstreak<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Among these, the Peacock Hairstreak and the Mottled Argus hold special conservation status. Both are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Amendment Act 2022, which affords them the highest level of legal protection in India. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">This highlights the crucial need for conservation efforts in Dzongu and the surrounding areas to protect these fragile species and their habitats, said the Butterfly Society of Sikkim chief Nosang M Limboo, president Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha and general secretary Sonam Pintso Lepcha.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"> “In conclusion, these first photographic records of Kirbari Hairstreak and Mottled Argus from Sikkim are a remarkable milestone. They not only expand our understanding of the distribution of these species but also emphasize the ecological richness of Dzongu. This discovery also underscores the need for further research and conservation work in this bio-diverse region, as it harbours rare and protected species that are vital to the natural heritage of Sikkim,” said the society.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Dzongu, besides being home to the indigenous Lepcha community, is characterized by lush green valleys, flowing rivers, and a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a hotspot for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike. The region's unique climatic conditions support an array of rare species, including various butterflies and other wildlife, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect its fragile habitats. With its serene landscapes and vibrant ecosystems, Dzongu serves as a vital area for both ecological research and sustainable tourism, offering a glimpse into the natural heritage of the Sikkim Himalaya.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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