Event Type
Research Presentation
Academic Department
Environmental Studies
Location
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Start Date
25-4-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
25-4-2025 2:30 PM
Description
Moths play a vital role in the overall health of any ecosystem as they are important pollinators and food resources for multiple species (particularly birds and bats). Human habitat disturbance in the temperate zone has been shown to negatively impact moth biodiversity and population size through a reduction in moth food resources and light pollution. Our study examined the impact of habitat disturbance on moth populations and diversity in the tropics (Pastaza Province, Ecuador). Significantly fewer moths were found during trapping sessions in disturbed habitats compared to those with less disturbance. Moreover, a higher diversity of moths were found in less disturbed areas and the most dominant family group was Geometridae which plays a role as an indicator of forest habitat health. Given the dependance Geometridae species have with their host plants it is likely that the reduced population size and diversity can give us further insight into how human activity impacts food webs and plant species diversity in an ecosystem.
Human Settlement Impacts on Moth Diversity in Ecuador
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Moths play a vital role in the overall health of any ecosystem as they are important pollinators and food resources for multiple species (particularly birds and bats). Human habitat disturbance in the temperate zone has been shown to negatively impact moth biodiversity and population size through a reduction in moth food resources and light pollution. Our study examined the impact of habitat disturbance on moth populations and diversity in the tropics (Pastaza Province, Ecuador). Significantly fewer moths were found during trapping sessions in disturbed habitats compared to those with less disturbance. Moreover, a higher diversity of moths were found in less disturbed areas and the most dominant family group was Geometridae which plays a role as an indicator of forest habitat health. Given the dependance Geometridae species have with their host plants it is likely that the reduced population size and diversity can give us further insight into how human activity impacts food webs and plant species diversity in an ecosystem.