Bhutan’s National Butterfly, Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory, is a rare species listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. To raise awareness and inspire conservation of the species among the younger generation, local conservationists and educators organised a chess tournament in Trashigang Middle Secondary School over the past two days.
Around 40 students, including a few monks, gathered at Trashigang Middle Secondary School to take part in the two-day Bhutan Glory Chess Tournament.
As part of the tournament, participants attended a special presentation on Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory, found in the Shoskum hills between Khaling and Kanglung in Trashigang.
The competition was held for two age categories, above and below 16 years old. The tournament will be an annual event hereafter.
“I was able to learn about how it was discovered, where it is mostly found, and a brief history. Now, I want to see the butterfly for myself, I want to see how it looks, I want to explore more about it. I would say that now I am more informed about the butterfly and how it is related to our national identities,” said Pema Dekar Tshomo, Participant, Trashigang Middle Secondary School, Trashigang.
“Playing chess helps with our brain development and enhances critical thinking. I never thought that the national butterfly is found in the east. I thought it would be in higher altitude areas like Gasa, but I was wrong,” said Jigme Yoezer Gyeltshen, Participant, Gongthung MSS, Trashigang.
The organisers said the tournament was mainly held to promote chess in the east, to develop intellectual skills among youth, while also raising awareness about Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory.
Winners were awarded prizes and certificates.
Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory was first discovered in 1939 by a foreign botanist and was rediscovered in 2009 at the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary in Trashi Yangtse.
It was identified as the national butterfly in 2012 because of its striking beauty and rarity.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Phub Gyem
