Ecosystem services and conservation value of Himalayan insects with special reference to Uttarakhand under the influence of the changing climate

Insects provide 'ecosystem services' in various ways, viz, pollination, decomposition, pest control, soil aeration; producing clothes, lac and food items. They also serve as food for wildlife and man. Insects are a part of nearly every food chain, either directly as food for other animals, or indirectly as agents in the endless recycling of nutrients in the soil. The insects hold a dominating position among the other group of animals recorded in the Himalayas both in terms of diversity and adaptation. The State of Uttarakhand has variety of forests ranging from the Shiwaliks and foothills with bhabhar, terai and duns, to the alpine forests and pastures through the subtropical, temperate, sub-alpine forests and thus harbours a tremendous diversity of insects. To date, 2618 insect species of 1082 genera of 155 families in 14 Orders (Collembola, Thysanura, Odonata, Orthoptera, Isoptera, Heteroptera, Homoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera) have been recorded from Uttarakhand. These figures are far from complete, and to have a real picture a great deal more effort and initiative will be necessary; however, many members of this group of organisms play important roles as ecosystem service providers. Accordingly, insects have high conservation value in the Uttarakhand as well as in the Himalayas, and many of them are under threat due to climate change.