ITANAGAR: The rich biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh has once again proven to be a treasure trove for scientists as ten new species of moth have been discovered in Gobuk village, Upper Siang district.
Gobuk village, predominantly home to the Adi tribe, was the focal point of a 65-day survey conducted by the Titli Trust, an NGO specialising in biodiversity conservation, and the Royal Enfield project for Responsible Tourism.
The newly discovered moth species include Chalcosiopsis variata, Monema coralina, Paralbara watsoni, Phalera argenteolepis, among others.
“The recent moth discoveries in Gobuk offer merely a glimpse into the vast biodiversity of the Siang landscape, underscoring the urgent need for its preservation and care,” Bidisha Dey, Executive Director of the Eicher Group Foundation, the CSR arm of Royal Enfield, told a local daily.
The discovery, reported in the latest issue of the international scientific journal Tropical Lepidoptera Research, underscores the rich biodiversity of the state.
The new species were identified as part of a two-year community-led conservation initiative that began in 2022.
The extensive survey recorded over 250 butterfly species, 650 moth species, 200 bird species, and numerous species of odonates, reaffirming the area’s status as a biodiversity hotspot.
Notable butterfly species discovered include the Dark Freak, Blue-bordered Sergeant, Elusive Prince, Brown Gorgon, Yellow Gorgon, Margined Hedge Blue, and the Khaki Silverline, among others.
In conjunction with the discovery, a biodiversity meet was held in Gobuk village, drawing around 25 conservationists from across India.
The event aimed to promote community-led conservation and sustainable development.
Each participant has donated approximately Rs 20,000, providing financial aid for the village’s development.
Sanjay Sondhi, founder of Titli Trust, highlighted the positive impact of these efforts and said that these initiatives not only highlight the ecological significance of the region but also foster a sense of responsibility among local communities.
