Crafting manuals for distinguishing moth species
In the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand, a unique project is weaving together the threads of science, culture, and local identity. The Ahi Pepe MothNet project, funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, is creating moth identification guides specific to South Island regions, with a focus on Maori perspectives and language.
The project's approach is distinct. It moves away from the traditional Western scientific presentation of facts and methods, instead choosing a more sympathetic weaving together of cultural reference, language, education, and science. This innovative approach is reflected in the systematic naming of moths, which incorporates indigenous Māori language and cultural perspectives alongside scientific taxonomy.
One example of this unique naming system is the cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae Linnaeus), named for its bright red colouration, or 'cinnabar'. In the Ahi Pepe MothNet project, the cinnabar moth has also been given a Maori name, though the specifics are not detailed in the provided information.
The project's focus on indigenous knowledge is not limited to naming. Five whakatauki (legends) about moths and their life cycles form the core of the te reo Maori guides. Tamariki from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Otepoti are also giving local moths common names in te reo Maori. For instance, the Meterana exquisita species has been named ātaka (exquisite) due to its beautifully mottled pale green and black forewings.
The Ahi Pepe MothNet project is not confined to the South Island. It has recently expanded to include the North Island, and the project guides feature life-size colour images of moths common in each region. The project has also received additional funding from various sources, including Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Otepoti, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Te Tumu, University of Otago, Department of Geography, University of Otago, Orokonui Ecosanctuary, Otago Museum, and New Zealand's Biological Heritage National Science Challenge.
The cinnabar moth, introduced to New Zealand as a biological control for ragwort, is just one of over 2,000 moth species found in the country, over 90% of which are endemic. The Ahi Pepe MothNet project is a significant initiative in fostering community engagement, promoting the preservation of indigenous knowledge, and supporting biodiversity conservation in ways that respect and acknowledge the cultural values tied to native species. By blending scientific and indigenous naming, the project enhances the recognition and protection of moth species in New Zealand, ensuring both ecological and cultural significance are honoured.
The Ahi Pepe MothNet project extends beyond environmental science, as it incorporates indigenous language, legends, and local education into its approach, offering a unique blend of traditional Maori perspectives and scientific taxonomy. This innovative project not only provides guides for moth identification but also aids in the preservation of indigenous knowledge and fosters community engagement for biodiversity conservation.
