HNAF holds moth watching camp to promote awareness

Though butterflies steal the spotlight, moths deserve our appreciation and attention as they are a very important part of the ecosystem, feels Animesh Bose, coordinator of Himalayan Nature and Adventure Foundation (HNAF). HNAF has been organising moth watching camps to promote interest in moths and as part of a global citizen science project. In future also, HNAF plans to promote studies and documentation on moths in the North Bengal region. A three-day-long moth watching camp concluded on Sunday as part of the National Moth Week.

This 3rd camp was held in a lush green forest area of Daragaon, in Kalimpong district, from 28 to 30 July. It saw the participation of 22 participants and experts. “Among insects, the Lepidoptera (order of insects including butterflies and moths) is the second largest. Around 1.5 lakh species have been identified worldwide. In India, 15,000 species are found. In the Lepidoptera order, 90 per cent are moths and 10 per cent butterflies,” stated Angshuman Raha, post doctoral fellow, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).

Tracing the importance of moths, Raha stated that they serve as crucial pollinators, playing a vital role in the reproduction of numerous plant species. “Many plants, particularly those that bloom at night, rely on moths for pollination. Many of the species of moths are nocturnal pollinators and also take part in pollinating specific floral species. Without moths, these plants would struggle to survive and thrive,” he added.

Moths also hold immense value as a food source for other animals. “Birds, bats, and small mammals depend on moths as a significant part of their diet. Moths form an essential link in the intricate food chains that sustain various organisms in the ecosystem,” added the expert. Beyond their direct contributions, moths act as bio-indicators. Their sensitivity to environmental changes makes them excellent indicators of habitat quality, pollution levels, and climate variations. “By monitoring moth populations, scientists can detect early warning signs of ecological disruptions such as habitat loss, pollution, or the impacts of climate change. Moths provide valuable insights into the overall health of an ecosystem. Conservation strategies and policies can be formulated based on the study of moths as indicators of habitat quality,” stated Raha.

The camp was highly successful. Along with holding lectures and workshops, moth watching took place from 7 pm to 3 am with the help of two screens using two different lights — mercury vapour lamp and UV lamp. “In one night, we spotted 200 to 300 species, including 12 to 15 species of hawk moths. This is a clear indicator of good habitat quality” added Raha. Resource persons included Judhajit Dasgupta, naturalist, butterfly expert and writer, researchers Rajesh Lenka and Manpreet Singh from ZSI along with Raha. The aim of the camp was to spread awareness, encourage participation in moth observations and data collection through citizen science projects, provide educational resources and materials for schools, colleges, and the general public to learn about moths and their significance in nature along with highlighting the importance of moth conservation and the need to protect their habitats to ensure their survival and maintain a healthy ecosystem,” added Animesh Bose.