Pune: The Ecological Society, Pune, in association with BILD Clinic, will host a special lecture titled “Moths Matter: A Citizen Science Journey” on July 26 at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital to mark the National Moth Week (July 18–26).The keynote session will be delivered by Pramod Patil, followed by an interactive discussion with his research team. The team will share findings from their year-long documentation project in the Western Ghats, offering a glimpse into their field experiences and research data.“Over the past year, the Ecological Society’s study, led by Pramod Patil in the forests surrounding Pune, has identified more than 350 species of moths. This lecture aims to highlight their unique behaviour patterns and habitats. We will also emphasise the importance of citizen science, which empowers nature enthusiasts to observe and document the flora and fauna around them, ultimately strengthening conservation efforts,” said Anoop Jaipurkar of the Ecological Society.The Western Ghats and its surrounding regions, including Tamhini Ghat, Pabe Ghat, and Plus Valley, are biodiversity hotspots for moths. These areas are home to remarkable species such as the massive atlas moth and the intricately patterned hawkmoth.Attendees will receive practical guidance on how to observe nature and document local species effectively.The event is free and open to students, researchers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in environmental conservation.
