Press Release
Press release from (BAMOS-NCS) A registered organisation of Butterfly enthusiasts of Sikkim
Information & Public Relations Department
First female Kaiser-i-Hind photographed live in Sikkim from Ravongla, Namchi District.
Namchi, April 17:
In a significant milestone for Indian biodiversity, Dr. Chewang Norbu Bhutia and his wife Dr. Hishey Ongmu Bhutia, both veterinary doctors from Ravangla, have captured the first-ever live photograph of a female Kaiser-i-Hind (Teinopalpus imperialis, Hope 1843) in India from Sikkim The butterfly was recorded on January 3, 2025, at 2:30 PM at an altitude of 2,300 meters in the rich temperate forest landscape of Ravangla(Rabong). Commonly known as the "Emperor of India," the Kaiser-i-Hind is a rare butterfly species protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, highlighting its critical conservation status. Its known host plant is Magnolia campbellii (Magnoliaceae).
Additionally, the species is one of only two Himalayan butterflies listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, making it among the most threatened butterfly species in India. The female butterfly’s identification was confirmed by Mr.Nawang Gyatso Bhutia, Limca Book of Records holder and conservationist, along with enthusiasts Kavita Rai, Prem Baniya Chettri, and Sonam Wangchuk Rongkop (Lepcha), executive members of the Butterflies and Moths of Sikkim Nature Conservation Society (BAMOS-NCS). Further confirmation and expert insight were provided by lepidopterists Dr. Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi and Dr. Sailendra Dewan from ATREE.
Dr. Chewang Bhutia presented the photograph during his visit to the BAMOS-NCS awareness stall at the Cho-Dzo Fest 2025 — Discover Rabong on April 14, 2025. Speaking on the occasion, he remarked, “The Butterflies and Moths of Sikkim-Nature Conservation Society's awareness program was highly beneficial and informative. I am thankful for the identification support—it added great value to the event.” Butterfly Tourism is gaining Wings in Sikkim. The documentation of this rare sighting is a major boost for butterfly tourism in Sikkim, a flourishing eco-tourism sector drawing global attention. With over 720 recorded species, Sikkim is fast emerging as a hotspot for butterfly watchers, researchers, and nature photographers.
Organizations such as BAMOS-NCS are at the forefront, conducting awareness programs, butterfly-watching trails, and educational outreach that promote conservation while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. Crafting Heritage Through Handlooms Dr. Bhutia is also deeply committed to preserving Sikkim’s traditional crafts. Through his eco-conscious brand, Crafted Fibers, he empowers rural artisans, particularly women, by promoting the use of natural fibers like angora, yak and sheep wool, hemp, nettle, and silk. The initiative addresses both the revival of traditional handlooms and economic sustainability for marginalized communities.
The record indicates that Sikkim harbors a rich habitat for this butterfly, whereas elsewhere in India—such as in Darjeeling—its native habitat is severely threatened by invasive Malingo bamboo, and in the Northeast, by shifting cultivation (jhum). This historic record not only emphasizes Sikkim’s vital role in wildlife conservation but also reflects the success of grassroots participation and citizen scientists in environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.
The photograph of this rare female Kaiser-i-Hind was also formally presented to the Chief Minister of Sikkim during the concluding day of the Cho-Dzo Festival, Ravongla.
Namchi, April 17:
In a significant milestone for Indian biodiversity, Dr. Chewang Norbu Bhutia and his wife Dr. Hishey Ongmu Bhutia, both veterinary doctors from Ravangla, have captured the first-ever live photograph of a female Kaiser-i-Hind (Teinopalpus imperialis, Hope 1843) in India from Sikkim The butterfly was recorded on January 3, 2025, at 2:30 PM at an altitude of 2,300 meters in the rich temperate forest landscape of Ravangla(Rabong). Commonly known as the "Emperor of India," the Kaiser-i-Hind is a rare butterfly species protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, highlighting its critical conservation status. Its known host plant is Magnolia campbellii (Magnoliaceae).
Additionally, the species is one of only two Himalayan butterflies listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, making it among the most threatened butterfly species in India. The female butterfly’s identification was confirmed by Mr.Nawang Gyatso Bhutia, Limca Book of Records holder and conservationist, along with enthusiasts Kavita Rai, Prem Baniya Chettri, and Sonam Wangchuk Rongkop (Lepcha), executive members of the Butterflies and Moths of Sikkim Nature Conservation Society (BAMOS-NCS). Further confirmation and expert insight were provided by lepidopterists Dr. Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi and Dr. Sailendra Dewan from ATREE.
Dr. Chewang Bhutia presented the photograph during his visit to the BAMOS-NCS awareness stall at the Cho-Dzo Fest 2025 — Discover Rabong on April 14, 2025. Speaking on the occasion, he remarked, “The Butterflies and Moths of Sikkim-Nature Conservation Society's awareness program was highly beneficial and informative. I am thankful for the identification support—it added great value to the event.” Butterfly Tourism is gaining Wings in Sikkim. The documentation of this rare sighting is a major boost for butterfly tourism in Sikkim, a flourishing eco-tourism sector drawing global attention. With over 720 recorded species, Sikkim is fast emerging as a hotspot for butterfly watchers, researchers, and nature photographers.
Organizations such as BAMOS-NCS are at the forefront, conducting awareness programs, butterfly-watching trails, and educational outreach that promote conservation while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. Crafting Heritage Through Handlooms Dr. Bhutia is also deeply committed to preserving Sikkim’s traditional crafts. Through his eco-conscious brand, Crafted Fibers, he empowers rural artisans, particularly women, by promoting the use of natural fibers like angora, yak and sheep wool, hemp, nettle, and silk. The initiative addresses both the revival of traditional handlooms and economic sustainability for marginalized communities.
The record indicates that Sikkim harbors a rich habitat for this butterfly, whereas elsewhere in India—such as in Darjeeling—its native habitat is severely threatened by invasive Malingo bamboo, and in the Northeast, by shifting cultivation (jhum). This historic record not only emphasizes Sikkim’s vital role in wildlife conservation but also reflects the success of grassroots participation and citizen scientists in environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.
The photograph of this rare female Kaiser-i-Hind was also formally presented to the Chief Minister of Sikkim during the concluding day of the Cho-Dzo Festival, Ravongla.