Discovering the Night at Aurovanam

From 23 to 26 July 2026, Aurovanam came alive after sunset as students, researchers, citizen scientists, and nature enthusiasts gathered for National Moth Week 2026. Organised by Svarnim Sri Aurobindo Society, the four-night programme offered participants an opportunity to explore, photograph, identify, and document the fascinating nocturnal biodiversity of the landscape.

Using light-trapping techniques with a white observation screen and mercury vapour light, participants observed moths throughout the night without collecting specimens. The programme combined moth watching with photography, species identification, citizen science documentation, night trails, herping, and bird watching, creating a hands-on learning experience in nocturnal ecology.

The survey recorded an impressive 118 moth species across numerous families, alongside observations of 96 butterfly and odonate species, 43 bird species, 12 frog species, 29 spider species, and several reptiles, mammals, fish, and other invertebrates. Species such as Agrius convolvuli, Macroglossum corythus, Eudocima materna, and Spirama retorta were among those documented.

Beyond the numbers, the programme highlighted the ecological importance of moths as pollinators, herbivores, decomposers, and an essential food source for many other species. It also provided participants with practical experience in biodiversity documentation and citizen science, while strengthening Aurovanam’s growing role as a site for long-term biodiversity monitoring.

The success of this year’s programme opens opportunities for continued annual moth surveys, seasonal monitoring, expanded participation from schools and universities, and the development of a comprehensive moth checklist for Aurovanam.

Read more about the survey in The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/118-species-of-moths-recorded-in-first-ever-survey-in-puducherry/article71339669.ece#google_vignette