Experts call for greater focus on insect conservation

Dharwad: Insects and spiders are among the most important, yet least appreciated, creatures in nature. They play an indispensable role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity and ensuring food security, said noted entomologist Ishan Pahade, founder-director of the Entomon Institute of Invertebrate Zoology, Pune.Delivering the sixth Fundamental Memorial Lecture on ‘Wonders of the Insect World’ at the Mindwave Edu Hub auditorium in Sadhanakeri, Pahade said these tiny organisms form the foundation of healthy ecosystems by pollinating plants, recycling nutrients, controlling pests and serving as food for birds, amphibians and several other animals.The programme was jointly organised by Dharwad’s Nature Research Centre and Nature First Eco Village, Halligeri, in association with the Entomon Institute of Invertebrate Zoology, Pune.Pahade said nearly three-fourths of flowering plants and a large share of crops depend on insects such as bees, butterflies, moths and beetles for pollination. “Without pollinating insects, the production of fruits, vegetables, oilseeds and many food crops would decline drastically, affecting both biodiversity and human livelihoods,” he said.Highlighting the ecological importance of spiders, Pahade said they are among the most effective natural predators in terrestrial ecosystems. He called for greater public participation in documenting local insect and spider diversity through citizen science initiatives.“Community-based surveys, photography, field observations and documentation can generate valuable biodiversity records that support research, conservation planning and biodiversity boards,” he said.Spider expert Atharva Kulkarni of Pune said India is home to more than 4,000 spider species, but only about half have been scientifically identified. Several species may have disappeared before being documented because of habitat loss and environmental degradation. He urged students and nature enthusiasts to take part in local documentation efforts to help conserve these overlooked species.Senior environmentalist Panchakshari Hiremath said Nature First Eco Village at Halligeri is developing specialised conservation gardens, including a frog habitat named ‘Batracarium’, along with gardens dedicated to rare butterflies, moths, spiders, bees and other insects to promote environmental education and biodiversity awareness.Prof Gopal Kadekodi, Prof SM Shivaprasad and Dheeraj Veeranagoudar also addressed the gathering.