Guwahati: In the heart of Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district, the remote village of Gobuk is emerging as a beacon of community-led conservation. From May 18 to 24, Gobuk is hosting the 2nd Siang Biodiversity Meet, drawing 25 participants from across India to immerse themselves in the region’s rich biodiversity and the vibrant culture of the Adi community.
Organised by the Epum Sirum Welfare Society and the Gobuk Welfare Society, with support from Titli Trust and the Royal Enfield Social Mission, the event highlights the synergy between ecological preservation and sustainable livelihoods. The initiative is further bolstered by the efforts of the Green Hub x Royal Enfield Responsible Tourism Fellows, who are working to create sustainable pathways for ecological protection while strengthening community-based tourism and rural entrepreneurship.
Gobuk’s commitment to conservation has led to significant scientific discoveries. Extensive biodiversity surveys have recorded over 200 bird species, 300 butterflies, and more than 750 species of moths. Notably, collaborations with the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru, have resulted in the identification of ten moth species previously unrecorded in India, published in the Journal of Tropical Lepidoptera Research in 2024. A second scientific paper, detailing an additional 10 new moth records for India, has just been published in the international peer-reviewed Journal of Tropical Lepidoptera Research, reinforcing Gobuk’s status as a biological treasure trove. Tropical Lepidoptera Research is a full-colour journal published twice a year by the Association for Tropical Lepidoptera at McGuire Centre for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
These moths, Melleaatristrigulalis, Rotunda rotundapex, Psilalcisinoueorum, Garudinialatana, Teulisnamaculata, Sesapahonbaensis, Ovipennismilani, Nudinaankistro, Nudina Witti, Lymantria hauensteiniand Hepsideralignea, are reported from India for the first time. Of these records, two genera, Rotunda Wang, X. & Zolotuhin, 2015 and Nudina Staudinger, 1887 are reported from India for the first time. This publication follows an earlier paper published in 2024, listing 10 new moth records from India, reinforcing Gobuk and Upper Siang as a biodiversity hotspot in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Siang Biodiversity Meet offers participants guided butterfly and moth-watching sessions, explorations of new nature trails like the Miine Tarning Trail, and opportunities to experience the traditional culture and cuisine of the Adi tribe. A highlight of the event is “Super Meimei Adventures,” a full-day immersive walk with local women and educators that combines nature exploration with cultural learning.
Gobuk’s transformation from a hunting community to conservation stewards has garnered recognition from the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the wider Adi community. This initiative serves as a promising model for community-led conservation and enterprise, inspiring similar efforts throughout the state and beyond.
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