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.”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.
