Kanglung in Trashigang is gradually gaining popularity among butterfly enthusiasts for its rich diversity of butterfly species. The area began attracting butterfly watchers after a Bhutanese birdwatcher and photographer spotted Bhutan’s national butterfly, Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory, there in 2022. As part of community-led efforts to promote ecotourism and conservation, the Bhutan Glory Community Group organised a day-long meet along the Bhutan Glory Wildlife Trail at Shingchen Goenpa.International butterfly experts, tourists, local community members, district officials, and students came together for the day-long Bhutan Glory Meet.Since the national butterfly, Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory, was spotted here, the area has been developed with a proper walking trail and resting spaces for nature and butterfly enthusiasts.
And the efforts are seeing results. Around 15 tourists have visited the area in the last four years.
“When we see the number of butterflies in one place, that makes Trashigang very special. I have never seen so many butterflies congregate in such a small area. We can find Bhutan Glory in places ranging from Bhutan to Arunachal and Manipur in India. But what is special about this place is the sheer number of butterflies. There are just so many here,” said Professor Eishwar Mannay, a tourist from India.
“Coming here to attend the meet gave the chance to experience and see what the Bhutan Glory looks like and also learn about nature and butterfly habitat,” said Jamyang Kinley Choden, a student of Bayling Higher Secondary School, Tashi Yangtse.
Thaibutterfies Tour operator Antonio Giudici said, “Of course, the butterfly world is smaller than that of birds, but there are many people interested in taking pictures and observing the Bhutan Glory, which is one of the most beautiful butterflies in the world. So, because of that, I bring one or two groups to Bhutan almost every year, including to Trashigang. Next year, I will also have a group of eight people coming from England.”
As the area is also home to other butterfly species, including the Bhutan Glory, the Trashigang district has been raising awareness through various student and community engagement programmes.
The eight-member Bhutan Glory Community Group plans to conduct the meet every year as part of these efforts.
“Few of us even attended a week-long training on preparing clean meals for tourists and maintaining hygiene. If we receive more tourists, we could also involve our children as local guides. With more support, we also plan to build better homes to accommodate tourists,” said Karma Wangzom, a member of Bhutan Glory Community Group.
While Bhutan Glory is considered to be of Least Concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory is listed as endangered, which means it is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild, calling for greater conservation efforts.
