" NMW @24: Moth-ing at college campus (National Moth Week) "

दिनांक: 28-07-2024

Moth-ing Event Captivates Enthusiasts Despite Rain Kurud, Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, July 29, 2024 — Sant Guru Ghasidas Govt. PG College in Kurud hosted a unique Moth Trapping event on the night of July 28, 2024. Enthusiasts gathered from 6 PM to 10 PM to participate in this highlight of the National Moths Week 2024 celebration, dedicated to studying and appreciating local moth biodiversity in global partnership with the Indian Biodiversity Portal. Despite the rain, which posed a challenge to the evening’s activities, participants remained undeterred and successfully captured four distinct moth species using light traps. Of these, two species were identified during the event: Episparis liturata and Orvasca subnotata. The remaining two species are pending further examination for identification. National Moth Week is an annual event that celebrates the beauty, life cycles, and habitats of moths. It aims to raise awareness about these often-overlooked insects and encourage people of all ages and abilities to learn about, observe, and document moths in their local environments. Participants worldwide engage in moth-watching events, often using light traps to attract and study various species. National Moth Week encourages communities to host mothing events in their area during a designated week. Moth Week offers everyone, everywhere the opportunity to become a Citizen Scientist by submitting photos of moths to any of the participating partners for identification and data submission. By engaging in mothing, nature enthusiasts can use light or bait to attract moths to a location for observation and data collection, contributing to a broader understanding of moth biodiversity. National Moth Week was started in 2012 by a group of enthusiastic moth-ers from the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission in New Jersey, USA. The initiative quickly gained international interest, fostering a global community of moth enthusiasts and contributing to scientific knowledge and conservation efforts. The event was made possible through the efforts and support of: Assistant Professor H.N. Tandan: Provided invaluable guidance and support. Assistant Professor Chitramani Shrimali: Assisted significantly during the event. Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rathore, Principal of Sant Guru Ghasidas PG College, Kurud: Offered encouragement and support for organizing the event. Students of the PG Department of Zoology and local nature lovers: Participated actively in observing the moths. The Moth Trapping event showcased the rich biodiversity of the region and demonstrated the importance of such initiatives in promoting scientific understanding and conservation awareness. The collaborative effort of faculty and students highlighted the educational and environmental value of engaging with local wildlife, even in the face of inclement weather. This event not only celebrated the fascinating world of moths but also emphasized the collective commitment to preserving and studying our natural environment.