Introduction to Ahi Pepe MothNet
A Collaborative Approach to Moth Research and Conservation: The Ahi Pepe MothNet Project
In New Zealand, a unique collaborative research initiative known as the Ahi Pepe MothNet project is shedding light on the world of moths. The project, which means "moth fire" in Māori, symbolizing a network of knowledge around moths, involves organizations such as Forest & Bird, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research, and others [1].
The Ahi Pepe MothNet project is not just about scientific research; it's about engaging communities, particularly young people, in understanding and conserving moth biodiversity and ecology. By monitoring, collecting data, and involving the public, the project aims to contribute to understanding moth species distributions, behaviors, and their role in New Zealand ecosystems [1].
One of the key aspects of the Ahi Pepe MothNet project is its collaborative approach to moth research and conservation. It combines scientific expertise with community engagement and education [1]. The project provides member schools with Heath moth traps, lightweight battery-operated systems designed to attract and capture moths. These traps are used to investigate the effects of artificial lighting on moth communities and whether vegetation restoration impacts moth diversity [2].
The project has expanded to include all of Aotearoa, allowing schools across the country to take part in moth research. It has also received funding from various sources, including New Zealand's Biological Heritage National Science Challenge, Otago Science into Action, the Curious Minds initiative, and several universities and institutions [3].
The Ahi Pepe MothNet project demonstrates how the strands of the nature of science are interrelated. For instance, Dr Robert Hoare, an entomologist from Landcare Research NZ Ltd, has a passion for moths. His work, along with Dr Barbara Anderson, the project's leader, contributes significantly to the project's success [4].
The project partners have produced eight identification guides in te reo Māori and English, making it accessible to a wider audience. Moreover, the Ahi Pepe MothNet project has integrated mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge), weaving the science, Kāi Tahu stories about moths, and te reo Māori into its work [5].
The students at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ōtepoti took their moth research to the 2017 World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education in Canada. The work by the four Otago schools and their science colleagues has produced the "Beginners' guide to the macro-moths of Otago", an information and identification guide [6].
The Ahi Pepe MothNet project aims to connect with children, helping them see the significance of moths, and ultimately better understand, appreciate, and take care of native moths. For more information about the Ahi Pepe MothNet and the resources they've produced, visit www.ahipepe.org [7].
For an overview of the project, watch the video "Moth Net: Shedding Light on the Night". The government's national strategic plan for Science in Society, A Nation of Curious Minds - He Whenua Hihiri i te Mahara, is a government initiative jointly led by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Ministry of Education, and Office of the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor, which supports such collaborative projects [8].
[1] Ahi Pepe MothNet (n.d.). About Ahi Pepe MothNet. Retrieved from https://ahipepe.org/about/
[2] New Zealand's Biological Heritage National Science Challenge (n.d.). Ahi Pepe MothNet. Retrieved from https://www.biologicalheritage.co.nz/projects/ahi-pepe-mothnet
[3] Otago Science into Action (n.d.). Ahi Pepe MothNet. Retrieved from https://www.otagoscience.ac.nz/science-into-action/projects/ahi-pepe-mothnet
[4] Landcare Research NZ Ltd (n.d.). Dr Robert Hoare. Retrieved from https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/our-science/our-scientists/dr-robert-hoare
[5] Ahi Pepe MothNet (n.d.). Mātauranga Māori. Retrieved from https://ahipepe.org/matauranga-maori/
[6] Ahi Pepe MothNet (n.d.). Beginners' guides. Retrieved from https://ahipepe.org/beginners-guides/
[7] Ahi Pepe MothNet (n.d.). Resources. Retrieved from https://ahipepe.org/resources/
[8] A Nation of Curious Minds (n.d.). About A Nation of Curious Minds. Retrieved from https://nationofcuriousminds.nz/about/
- Engaging in home-and-garden activities, one could consider purchasing a Heath moth trap, a lightweight battery-operated system used in the Ahi Pepe MothNet project to study moths and their responses to artificial lighting and vegetation restoration.
- In addition to general news and current events, educational and self-development resources often include science-based projects like the Ahi Pepe MothNet initiative, which integrates Mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge) and aims to engage communities, particularly young people, in moth conservation and biodiversity studies.
