Programme

Dr. V. Shubhalaxmi R is an award-winning entomologist, educationist, entrepreneur and Storyteller. After working in the environment sector for more than two decades, she founded three entities; Ladybird Environmental Consulting, iNaturewatch Foundation, and Birdwing Publishers. She developed environmental mobile apps and online courses which are the first of their kind. Through her company, she carries out rejuvenation and reforestation works to improve biodiversity. She specializes in establishing butterfly and biodiversity parks. She works in the sphere of environmental CSR and environmental protection. She authored India’s first-Field Guide to Indian Moths besides other books, mobile apps and training manuals for teachers. She is. Fulbright Fellow and Hubert Humphrey Fellow, Member of the IUCN group on Conservation Education and National Moth Week. A leadership case study was written on her by Babson College, United States. Winner of Green Teacher Award of Kirloskar Vasundhara in 2021 and 50 Most Innovative Storytellers Award by World Congress of Storytelling in 2023.

Abstract

Cracking the Code: Moth Identification and Citizen Science

In this keynote, the speaker intricately explores the challenging and meticulous process of moth species identification, likening it to detective work due to the careful observation, analysis, and problem-solving required. She emphasizes the immense diversity of moths, with over 160,000 species globally, and highlights the difficulty in distinguishing visually similar species, which often requires a combination of external observations and advanced techniques.
The talk outlines the pioneering effort to create India’s first field guide on moths, documenting 773 species across 38 families, and details the ongoing revisions in its second edition to correct earlier misidentifications. A major focus is on the detective work involved in species identification, which often requires examining external traits like size, shape, coloration, and wing patterns, as well as internal characteristics such as genitalia structures. However, Dr. Shubhalaxmi underscores the limitations posed by relying on photographs alone for identification. While photographs can capture many external features, they cannot reveal critical internal traits that are essential for confirming species, particularly when dealing with cryptic species or those exhibiting sexual dimorphism.
She explains how this limitation is exacerbated by the scarcity of resources specific to moth identification. For instance, while comprehensive references like Fauna of British India or regional works like Moths of Borneo exist, they are either outdated or region-specific, leaving gaps in knowledge for Indian species. This makes identification especially challenging for researchers relying solely on visual or photographic data, as the subtleties of moth anatomy often require detailed laboratory techniques like genitalia dissection or molecular analysis to resolve.
Dr. Shubhalaxmi illustrates these challenges with real-world examples, such as the Darwin’s Hawk Moth, initially misclassified due to drastic differences between its larval and adult stages, and the Aptani Glory Moth, whose identification required international collaboration and expeditions to confirm it as a new species, Elcysma ziroensis. She explains how taxonomical terms like sp.cf. (species close to), sp.nr. (species near), and indet. (indeterminate) are used when definitive identification is unattainable without advanced tools.
The presentation also highlights the critical role of citizen scientists in aiding this detective work, despite the inherent challenges. Dr. Shubhalaxmi provides clear do’s and don’ts to guide citizen scientists, stressing the importance of detailed and accurate observations, proper use of identification tools, and adhering to ethical data collection practices. She acknowledges the difficulties they face with limited resources but underscores how their contributions, when done correctly, can significantly enhance biodiversity data quality.
In conclusion, Dr. Shubhalaxmi calls for the integration of modern tools like DNA barcoding, better resource allocation, and collaborative efforts among researchers and citizen scientists to overcome the challenges in moth identification. Her presentation emphasizes the detective-like precision required in taxonomy and highlights the need for robust resources and teamwork to advance biodiversity research and conservation.

Pierre Bonnet is a permanent researcher at CIRAD in Montpellier (France), working within the AMAP laboratory, a joint research unit specializing in tropical botany, plant architecture, and biodiversity informatics. With a background in botany, plant ecology, and a strong interest in applied computer science, Pierre has dedicated his career to developing innovative tools and methods for biodiversity monitoring and conservation.
After obtaining his doctorate in 2008 from the University of Montpellier, following extensive fieldwork in South-East Asia, Pierre became the coordinator of the Pl@ntNet initiative in 2009. He has since played a key role in fostering collaboration between scientists and engineers from Pl@ntNet funding members (INRIA, INRAE, and IRD), as well as a large network of scientific institutions, promoting citizen science as a means to collect and analyze plant biodiversity data. His interests span both cultivated plants and those found in natural ecosystems, reflecting a commitment to understanding and preserving biodiversity across diverse contexts.
In addition to his leadership of Pl@ntNet, Pierre has been actively involved in coordinating large-scale international projects. Since 2022, he has led the European GUARDEN EU project, which focuses on safeguarding biodiversity and critical ecosystem services. He also contributes to other major initiatives, including the European MAMBO and Eco2ADAPT EU projects, the Pl@ntAgroEco project, and the global XPRIZE Rainforest challenge. Pierre’s work exemplifies the intersection of cutting-edge research, technology, and citizen engagement to address pressing environmental challenges.

Abstract

Harnessing AI and Citizen Science for Large-Scale Plant Biodiversity Characterization: Insights from the Pl@ntNet Platform

This talk looks at the transformative potential of combining artificial intelligence and citizen science for large-scale plant biodiversity monitoring, focusing on the development and impact of the Pl@ntNet platform. Central to this approach is the active participation of citizens from diverse backgrounds – of varying ages, skills and experience – whose collective contributions significantly improve the breadth and depth of biodiversity characterisation. Using concrete examples, we will demonstrate how this diversity of participation not only improves data quality, but also fosters a sense of shared ownership and engagement in the scientific process.
Equally important is the collaboration between scientific disciplines, in particular between ecologists and computer scientists, whose joint efforts have been instrumental in designing an efficient and user-friendly platform. Pl@ntNet demonstrates the importance of integrating the latest advances in artificial intelligence into citizen science projects, enabling rapid and accurate identification of plant species on a global scale.
Beyond its technical achievements, the platform illustrates a model of win-win engagement. Participants benefit from educational opportunities, acquiring new knowledge and skills related to biodiversity and conservation, while project managers and scientists gain access to high-quality open data, essential for advancing research and policy-making. This presentation highlights the need to create sustainable synergies between diverse citizen participants and interdisciplinary scientists to build future-ready platforms that support global biodiversity conservation and education efforts.

JM Garg is a Principal Chief Materials Manager, Central Railway, Mumbai and Owner of eFloraofindia google group and eFloraofIndia wordpress website.

Abstract

eFloraofIndia: A unique way of collecting and presenting Citizen science plant data with enhanced data quality and synergy between amateurs and experts

A unique way of collecting and presenting Citizen science plant data is discussed along with a brief introduction of eFloraofIndia. Its unique features are presented. How the data quality is enhanced is also presented here. Different aspects of synergy between amateurs and experts are detailed.