Mapping rare moths in the Siang Valley

A remote village in Arunachal's Siang Valley has become a hot spot for discoveries of new and rare moth species

- Ananda Banerjee

About of rain and fire presented an unexpected challenge to a diverse group of natural history enthusiasts gathered in Gobuk, a remote Adi village in Upper Siang, Arunachal Pradesh. Upper Siang embodies the raw, untamed beauty of nature.

This is a land shrouded in soft, ethereal mist, where low-lying, cotton-wool clouds cling to the dense canopy. Here, old-growth trees serve as a pedestal for a vibrant, fragile ecosystem of mosses, lichens, ferns and orchids. It's a living tapestry woven from moisture and ancient growth, its sense of mystery enhanced by the sound of water dripping from leaves and the rustle of unseen creatures in the undergrowth.

Sunlight, when it pierces through, creates dappled patterns that shift with the swirling fog, illuminating the forest's hidden colours. In recent years, Gobuk has held unique significance as the epicentre for the discovery of moth species new to India. This summer, the village of 120 homes hosted its second Siang Biodiversity Meet in May, focusing on moths, butterflies and birds.

Mountain weather, inherently unpredictable, threatened to wash out the planned event. The biodiversity meet was scheduled for a week that is typically characterised by clear and sunny skies, coinciding with the annual Etor festival. This is a time when the Adis celebrate with traditional dances, rituals and community feasts to usher in a new farming cycle.

Yet, continuous rainfall had plagued the area for days. Adding to the organisers' woes, a devastating fire engulfed a home while its owners were away. Despite the valiant efforts of villagers, nothing could be salvaged from the wooden house. The community promptly constructed a temporary dwelling at the edge of the village for the affected family, while young men, in the evening, went from door to door throwing pieces of banana stem to ward off the evil fire spirit.