Latest news with #NationalMothWeek
Time of India
20-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Moth Week kicks off at Eco Park, Banabitan
1 2 Kolkata: The National Moth Week kicked off on Saturday with enthusiasts conducting a count after dark at Eco Park and Banabitan. The participants set up a moth trap using strong lights and a white sheet to do an hourly count of moths that were attracted by the light and landed on the sheet. "The moths are photographed and shared with Nature Mates. We identify them and publish a report," said Nature Mates founder Arjan Basu Roy. The Kolkata-based NGO, focused on wildlife conservation and awareness, is known for its butterfly and moth conservation efforts. The group has created butterfly gardens at Banabitan, Eco Park, and Rajabhatkhawa, restored wetlands, and promoted urban biodiversity gardening, using butterflies as "ambassador species." You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata There are around 1,000-plus moth species in Bengal and over 200 in and around Kolkata. The highest concentration of moths is in Tinchule, Darjeeling. Neora Valley National Park is also rich in moth diversity. "We are trying our best to involve people in our butterfly conservatories in Eco Park, Banabitan, and Rajabhatkhawa, where we conduct butterfly walks, show people various caterpillars and pupae, and give them seeds to promote butterfly-friendly plantations," said Basu Roy.
The Hindu
20-07-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Multiple mothing events to mark National Moth Week in Bengaluru
The National Moth Week (NMW) is being celebrated in various parts of the country, including Bengaluru, from July 19 to 27. The NMW is a global endeavor to raise awareness about moths and their vital role in the ecosystem. According to the organisers of the NMW, India has been a vibrant participant since 2013 and once again will join this global citizen science initiative, encouraging enthusiasts, families, and organizations to discover and document the incredible diversity of moths. Participants across India can register their private or public mothing events on the official National Moth Week website ( Observations collected during these events contribute to global knowledge through the iNaturalist platform, helping to expand the understanding of moth biodiversity and geographical distribution. In Bengaluru, a public talk has already been held, and a moth trapping session is scheduled at the Nature Conservation Foundation and a moth watching session planned at ATREE on July 21. 'By simply observing and contributing through platforms like iNaturalist, we collectively enhance our understanding of moth biodiversity and their geographical distribution, which is crucial for conservation efforts. We encourage everyone to join or host an event and become a part of this global effort to celebrate these incredible creatures,' said Vijay Barve, coordinator of DiversityIndia and a core team member of NMW. Pritha Dey, country coordinator for India and core member of the IndianMoths community, said NMW is an incredible opportunity for people of all ages to connect with nature and contribute to scientific research. 'Moths are often misunderstood, but they are crucial pollinators and an important part of the food chain. By participating, you can help us learn more about these fascinating creatures right in your backyard,' Ms. Dey said. There are an estimated 1,50,000 to 2,00,000 moth species worldwide, showcasing a stunning array of colors, patterns, and sizes. The organisers said that while most are nocturnal, some species are active during the day, much like butterflies. Observing moths can be as simple as turning on a porch light after dark, or for dedicated enthusiasts, using special lights and baits. In India, the IndianMoths community spearheads the NMW celebrations, in association with numerous organisations such as DiversityIndia, iNaturewatch Foundation, Titli Trust, and Nature Mates Nature Club.
