A Prefatory Estimation of Diversity and Distribution of Moths in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Western Himalaya, India

A pilot assessment of moth distribution and diversity was conducted in the buffer zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Western Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India. A total of 771 specimens were collected along an elevational gradient between 2000 and 3800 m across different forest types (temperate, sub-alpine, alpine scrublands) in Joshimath and Lata. Specimens were collected using light-trapping method during April–June and September–October 2014. A declining trend in moth diversity along the elevation was found which can be correlated with food resources. Comparative analyses showed different forest types had a more prominent effect on species composition at Joshimath than Lata. The family Geometridae with 475 specimens was found to be the most abundant family across all the sampling plots. Indicator species for forest types and disturbance level can be identified for habitat-quality assessment program and conservation management of the landscape.