Bhutan adds three new species of moths to its list of nearly 2,000 species. A team of researchers from the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation, Environmental and Research, Incheon National University of South Korea, and Natural Biodiversity Center discovered the species, recently.
The new species are Torodora namgaydemae, Torodora sp, and Thubana bhutanica, named after the people who discovered them.
They are mostly found in Wamrong in Trashigang, Damphu in Tsirang, and Phutshothang in Dewathang of Samdrup Jongkhar, respectively.
According to researchers, the presence of new species of organisms indicates a healthy ecosystem. It also helps in the studies of climate change as moths migrate from warmer to colder regions.
This would also help attract tourists, international donors, and researchers for its population conservation. Besides, moths also help in pollination.
As per moth experts, among many, keeping the environment clean, free of chemicals and pesticides, are some of the methods to protect and preserve the moths.
Meanwhile, the first species of moth was discovered in the country between 1850 and 1870.
Kelzang Choden
Edited by Sonam Pem
