Siang Valley Reveals Hidden Biodiversity, But Questions Linger About Colonial-Era Research Methods

Arunachal Pradesh, a state in northeastern India renowned for its rich biodiversity, has yielded another fascinating discovery – a new species of ant with a striking blue coloration. This exciting find comes from a recently analyzed dataset collected during a controversial 1911-12 expedition to the Siang Valley.

The Abhor Expedition and its Scientific Companion

The expedition, officially named the Abhor Expedition, was a punitive military campaign launched by the British Raj against the indigenous Adi people of the Siang Valley. While the military aspect of the expedition remains a dark chapter in colonial history, it was accompanied by a team of naturalists tasked with documenting the region’s flora and fauna.

Cataloguing a Hidden Paradise

This scientific team meticulously explored and mapped vast swathes of the Siang Valley. Their efforts resulted in a comprehensive catalog of the region’s plants, amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, mammals, and insects. Their findings were published in multiple volumes of the Records of the Indian Museum between 1912 and 1922.

A New Species Emerges from the Past

The newly discovered blue ant species was identified by a team of researchers re-examining the historical data collected during the Abhor Expedition. The researchers, affiliated with institutions in India and the United States, were particularly intrigued by the detailed descriptions and sketches included in the expedition’s reports.

Ethical Considerations and a Look Forward

While the discovery of the blue ant is a significant contribution to our understanding of biodiversity in the region, the colonial context of the Abhor Expedition raises ethical concerns. The researchers acknowledge the problematic nature of the expedition and emphasize the importance of conducting future biodiversity research with the consent and collaboration of local communities.