Abstract ID: 3.11284 | Accepted as Poster | Talk/Oral | TBA | TBA

Indian Trans Himalaya Region (ITHR) is one of the most eco- sensitive biogeographic regions in the world. Ecosystems of this region is witnessing the shift in land use practices, adverse impact of climate change and increasing anthropogenic pressure. Insect pollinators are extremely sensitive to such changes and loss of natural habitats can affect the nesting, foraging and breeding sites of the insect pollinators. It is very important to assess the diversity of insect pollinators to maintain the pollination services. Inclusion and sensitization of all the stakeholders (landholders and volunteers, agricultural industry, Government and NGO) is required for effective landscape level interventions. Considering all these facts, this study has been conducted in ITHR. The study area has been stratified on the basis of elevation, habitat, and vegetation types to document the diversity of pollinators along each gradient. Each site has been selected randomly in the various altitudinal categories. A total of 146 species have been identified from the study area. 32 sites in Leh-Ladakh, 17 sites in Uttarakhand, and 18 sites in Himachal Pradesh have been identified and sampled. 63 species of Hymenoptera (bees and wasps), 58 species of Lepidoptera (butterflies), and 26 species of Diptera (flies) have been identified. Species diversity indices for Lahaul-Spiti revealed that species diversity (Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, and Diptera) was higher in Spiti Valley. The citizen science approach and capacity building were the major tools for enhancing awareness of insect pollinators and their conservation. Local group discussions, workshops, trainings, Hands-on trainings awareness and outreach programs have been conducted for Forest Department, youths, NGOs, local communities and school children. A total of 3516 people have been trained in 26 capacity-building activities. 264 people were directly interviewed in Lahaul-Spiti. However, in Leh-Ladakh, a total of 295 people were interviewed for the PRA exercise. This study has created a scientific baseline data of insect pollinators in different ecosystems of ITHR. Study has helped in improvise the skills and capacity building at individual and community level throughout the region. This study has established that scientific assessments, community-based strategic adaptations and mitigation actions can conserve the insect pollinators and their habitats, effectively.