The 3rd National Conference on Lesser-Known Species of Madhya Pradesh was conducted in Bhopal with a focus on wildlife conservation and the challenges of protecting lesser-known species.
Organized by the Society of Nature Healers Conservators India (SNHC India), the conference gathered experts, researchers, students, and forest officials to discuss biodiversity and conservation strategies.
Dr. V. Shubhalaxmi, founder and managing trustee of Kharghar based - iNaturewatch Foundation, delivered a session titled "Cracking the Code: Moth Identification and Citizen Science - emphasizing the role of citizen and science in documenting moth diversity. In her talk, Dr. Shubhalaxmi highlighted key identification techniques and discussed the ecological importance of moths as indicators of environmental health. "Include your quote."
“Citizen science is not a new concept, yet it remains in its early stages in India . Many researchers and senior scientists have yet to fully tap into the potential of involving citizen scientists in their work. Perhaps they perceive training amateurs as time-consuming or hesitate to rely on passionate individuals without formal scientific backgrounds," said Shubhalaxmi.
A significant portion of her session focused on the urgent need for moth documentation, particularly given their data-deficient status, and the role these species play in broader biodiversity monitoring efforts. She also showcased global examples of how citizen participation has enriched moth research, underscoring the value of collaborative conservation efforts. " While there are certainly pros and cons, I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. To me, investing in future generations is a contribution to the advancement of science—we must cultivate the next line of researchers. Moreover, citizen science is the only way to popularize wildlife research and make it more accessible to the broader public," she said.
Encouraging college students to take an active role in National Moth Week, Dr. Shubhalaxmi provided practical advice on how they can document moth species in Bhopal using photography and online databases. Her call to action resonated with the audience, inspiring a new wave of citizen-driven biodiversity initiatives.
The conference included 15 technical sessions covering a wide range of conservation topics and was participated by forest officials, bureaucrats, students, NGOs, and researchers, making it a vital platform for knowledge exchange and fostering collaboration for wildlife protection in Madhya Pradesh.
