Archive · 28 Jun 2025
Siang Valley Study: Biodiversity Under Threat in Arunachal Pradesh
Imagine a valley in India, the Siang Valley, that's like a treasure chest of different animals and plants.
Scientists went there a long time ago and found lots of cool creatures.
Now, they're going back to see how things have changed.
They found many different types of insects and even a special worm from millions of years ago!
But, the valley might change because people are building things like dams and cutting down trees.
To protect this special place, local people are helping by inviting tourists to see the wildlife and learning how to keep it safe.
Scientists revisited Arunachal Pradesh's Siang Valley, originally surveyed in 1912 by British forces.
The Siang Valley is home to over 1,500 recorded species including unique insects and the ancient velvet worm.
The area faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and a proposed dam project.
Local communities in Gobuk are developing ecotourism and community-led conservation efforts.
Researchers are working with villages near Mouling National Park to promote biodiversity protection.
- Who
- Researchers, scientists, and local communities.
- What
- Researchers are studying the biodiversity of the Siang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
- When
- Surveys occurred in 1912 and again between 2022 and 2024.
- Where
- Siang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
- Why
- To document the unique biodiversity and address threats to the ecosystem.
Environmental Preservation
Economic and Infrastructure Development
Conservation vs Development
Environmental Preservation
Focus on conserving biodiversity and preventing habitat loss due to development projects.
Economic and Infrastructure Development
Development, infrastructure and economic progress of the region
- Location
- Siang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
- Species Count (approx.)
- Over 1,500
- Key Threat
- Deforestation and proposed dam
- Notable Species
- Velvet worm, dark freak butterfly
- Community Initiative
- Gobuk ecotourism and conservation
- River System
- Siang River