Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on the occasion of World Environment Day on June 5 declared Blue Duke (Bassarona durga durga) the state butterfly.
- The state butterfly was declared after an online poll conducted by the State Forest Department.
- 720 species of butterflies are found in Sikkim. Blue Duke was selected as the state butterfly securing 57 per cent votes in this online poll.
- Blue Duke is unique to Sikkim and the eastern Himalayas.
- It was discovered in the state in 1858.
- Blue Duke falls in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and is a protected species in the Himalayas.
