Exploiting Moths for Science: A Fascinating Approach to Research
A Nationwide Adventure in Moth Discovery: Ahi Pepe MothNet
In the heart of New Zealand, an exciting citizen science initiative is transforming the way people interact with nature. The Ahi Pepe MothNet project invites citizens, particularly youth and community groups, to embark on a nocturnal adventure, exploring the often overlooked world of moths.
Each morning, participants check Heath moth traps to see if any moths have visited during the night. This simple act of observation is a skill that improves with practice and knowledge, and is used to identify these diverse and captivating creatures. With around 2,000 moth species in New Zealand, identification can be challenging, but students are encouraged to observe differences in wing shape and color, antennae structure, and body thickness.
Moths play a crucial role in New Zealand's ecosystems, acting as pollinators and being part of food webs. By documenting and learning about moth diversity, participants become explorers in their own backyards or local ecosystems, fostering a sense of connection and curiosity about native biodiversity.
The initiative turns the experience into a scientific adventure by utilising moths’ natural attraction to light. This approach not only offers a safe way to observe these creatures at night but also provides a thrilling sense of discovery. Collecting data on moths contributes to real scientific research, giving participants the opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts.
The Ahi Pepe MothNet project is funded by a variety of organisations, including Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ōtepoti, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Te Tumu, University of Otago, Department of Geography, University of Otago, Orokonui Ecosanctuary, Otago Museum, New Zealand's Biological Heritage National Science Challenge, and the Participatory Science Platform.
As part of the project, observations and information are uploaded to a national database. The data collected will be used to make predictions about how moths will be affected by climate change. The Government's national strategic plan for Science in Society, A Nation of Curious Minds - He Whenua Hihiri i te Mahara, was a Government initiative jointly led by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Ministry of Education, and the Office of the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor. The Ahi Pepe MothNet project received funding through the Otago pilot, Otago Science into Action, of the Participatory Science Platform.
The adventure for the students comes from being out at night, hunting for nocturnal creatures. The students at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ōtepoti even give moths Māori names based on their appearance. The project is now funded to cover all of New Zealand, and regional identification guides are being made for students.
Data is simply numbers until it is analysed and interpreted. It's up to the science team to make sense of the moth data, but the real value lies in the hands-on learning experience and the sense of connection and curiosity that the Ahi Pepe MothNet project fosters in its participants.
[1] For more specific program details, you may refer to the Science Learning Hub and Ahi Pepe MothNet resources.
Engaging in environmental science through the Ahi Pepe MothNet project, participants gain hands-on experience in the field of education and self-development, focusing on the learning aspect of community-driven moth identification. By participating, they not only build their skills in observation and scientific research but also nurture a deep connection and curiosity towards the environmental science of New Zealand's biodiversity.
The nationwide project is rooted in an approach that merges learning with environmental conservation, offering participants the unique opportunity to contribute to real-world environmental research, thereby fostering a nation of curious minds in line with the Government's strategic plan, A Nation of Curious Minds - He Whenua Hihiri i te Mahara.
