Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory (Bhutanitis ludlowi) is a butterfly species belonging to the family Papilionidae. It is endemic to the pocket habitats of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India, and small parts of Bhutan. The species is categorised as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It faces significant threats from illegal collection and wildlife trade, and is therefore included in CITES Appendix II. In India, it is legally protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory | Photo by Sarika Baidya

First recorded in India in 2011, this species remains elusive due to a lack of significant data on its biology and population trends. It is a high-altitudinal habitat specialist, with a unique life cycle that depends exclusively on a single host plant found only in the high altitudes of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary. Local communities are largely unaware of their existence and ecological significance. The small pocket habitat in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is under increasing threat from unregulated forest clearings, logging, unsustainable developmental activities, and illegal collection. Despite being a Schedule I species and facing severe threats, there is currently no active conservation plan in place for its protection.

Lack of awareness is one of the major hurdles in the effective conservation of the species. Sarika Baidya, Researcher and Project Coordinator (Butterfly Conservation) at Nature Mates – Nature Club, was the first to initiate population monitoring of the Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory in India and begin generating awareness among local stakeholders. Since 2023, her team has been actively engaging local communities through awareness campaigns and capacity-building efforts, involving them in India’s first insect conservation project focused on a single threatened species.

Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), with support from Fondation Segré, is currently implementing a Rapid Action Project (RAP) to support Sarika in generating baseline data on the biology of the species and raising awareness about its conservation. The project is being carried out in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department and local communities. In July 2025, the team organised a workshop for local community members and frontline forest staff to enhance understanding of the ecological importance of butterflies and their habitats. The event received coverage in local media, further amplifying outreach and awareness.

Awareness initiatives for local communities, organised by Sarika and her team at Nature Mates – Nature Club, have helped enhance understanding of the ecological importance of butterflies | Photo by Sarika Baidya

Integrating local communities into the project ensures long-term monitoring of the endangered butterfly and fosters effective dialogue between grassroots stakeholders and the administration for the development and implementation of conservation policies. By upholding the Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory as a flagship species, it can serve as an ecotourism attraction in its habitat and help generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for the locals, reducing their dependence on forest resources. This initiative not only draws the attention of wider communities to the threats faced by often-overlooked species but also serves as a model for future conservation projects targeting other lesser-known species in India.

Unveiling ceremony of the Bugun name of the Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory| Photo by Sarika Baidya

In a landmark move for community-based conservation, the rare Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory (Bhutanitis ludlowi) has recently been given a new local name—Lachhan jiing-khonok—by the Bugun community of Arunachal Pradesh. The name, unveiled by MLA Tenzin Nyima Glow, reflects growing local ownership and the tireless efforts of Sarika Baidya and her team in fostering community ownership and pride in conserving this endangered butterfly.