Usually, traditional archery is enjoyed for recreational purposes, with food, archers, dancers, and spectators making up the scene at the archery range. However, in Khaling in Trashigang, an archery tournament took a different turn as a bird watcher raised awareness about Ludlow’s Bhutan glory, the national butterfly. Using banners, the bird watcher educated both the audience and the archers about the butterfly’s conservation and significance.
More than 20 archers participated in the daylong tournament, while bird watcher Tshewang Norbu and his friend took the initiative to display banners and inform the spectators and participants about the butterfly’s habitat and the importance of preserving it.
The Ludlow’s Bhutan glory was first spotted in the Shoskum hill area between Khaling and Yonphula in Trashigang last year.
“It is important to know the habitat and how to conserve the Ludlow. Secondly, we need to know the importance of it. It is also to inform our youth, who are interested in learning more about it,” said Tshewang Norbu.
“We need to plan so that we do not disturb the creatures that are present in the forest. And if their habitat is disrupted, there is a risk of them migrating to other places,” said Thinley, a villager.
“We need to know their habitat and how to conserve it. Since we have a science subject, we can include information about the butterfly during those lessons,” said Tshering, Principal of Jeri-Lemi Primary School.
Since last year, Tshewang Norbu and his friend have been raising awareness through various means, such as displaying portraits of the butterfly in shops and restaurants in Khaling and Kanglung.
Listed vulnerable under the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Ludlow’s Bhutan glory is found only in Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary in Trashi Yangtse.
The butterfly was officially endorsed as the national butterfly in 2012.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Tshering Zam
