Ten new moth species have been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district recently. This remarkable outcome is efforts of two years of community-led conservation initiatives led jointly by Titli Trust-Royal Enfield project for Responsible Tourism. Both organisations conducted a 65-day survey in the village, mostly belonging to the Adi tribe where they discovered the moth species including Chalcosiopsis variata, Monema coralina, Paralbara watsoni, Phalera argenteolepis and six others.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed on social media, “Conservation of nature is everyone’s responsibility! I commend the efforts of Gobuk villagers in Upper Siang district, who shunned hunting to preserve the rich biodiversity, leading to discovery of 10 new moth species. Let’s emulate this unique initiative of Adi community!”
Other than the moth species, the survey recorded 250 plus butterfly species like the Dark Freak, Blue-bordered Sergeant, Elusive Prince, Brown Gorgon, Yellow Gorggon, Margined Hedge Blue, and the Khaki Silverline among others, 650 moth species, 200 bird species, and multitude of insect species.
The Titli Trust-Royal Enfield project for Responsible Tourism has been pivotal in encouraging sustainable practices and promoting responsible tourism in the Himalayan region by helping the villagers with other options instead of hunting. Through their partnership, they have supported initiatives aimed at biodiversity conservation, climate education, and the promotion of green livelihoods.
Royal Enfield’s Eicher Group Foundation Executive Director Bidisha Dey highlighted the importance of community-led conservation efforts in safeguarding the Himalayan ecosystem. She accentuated the significance of initiatives like the Siang Biodiversity Meet, which serves as a platform for holding dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collective action in conservation.
Scheduled from May 12 to 18, the Siang Biodiversity Meet aims to celebrate the region’s rich biodiversity while promoting responsible tourism practices. The event, held by local community-based organisations in partnership with conservation groups and governmental agencies, seeks to engage participants in guided nature trails, educational presentations, and community outreach activities.
Supported by organisations such as The Mouling National Park, the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department, and Royal Enfield, the Siang Biodiversity Meet represents a collaborative effort to promote sustainable development in the Himalayan region. Royal Enfield’s commitment to building resilience in communities and nature aligns with its broader social mission, which aims to empower Himalayan communities to thrive amidst the challenges posed by climate change.
“The discovery of new moth species in Upper Siang is a testament to the incredible biodiversity of our region and the critical importance of conservation efforts,” remarked Dey. “We hope this encourages more communities to engage in sustainable practices and take pride in preserving their natural heritage.”
