Bogong moths bounce back from brink of extinction
Bogong moths, once feared extinct, are returning to Canberra in huge numbers during spring migration.
Gardeners across Canberra are reporting hundreds of bogong moths swarming flowers and trees this spring, marking a striking recovery for a species that faced extinction concerns just years ago. A Harrison resident saw "easily hundreds" on his cherry tree.
ANU ecologist Ben Keaney called it "a truly wonderful phenomenon" and confirmed the species is bouncing back. The moths migrate annually through Canberra from the plains of south-eastern Australia toward the Snowy Mountains.
They shelter from summer heat in caves and peaks. The moths are an important food source for birds, bats, reptiles, marsupial rats and mountain pygmy possums.
Aboriginal people have long harvested them as food. In 2019, the moths clouded Parliament House windows so thickly that officials dimmed lights to keep them out.
A severe drought caused their numbers to crash. Improved rainfall and favourable winds have now helped the species recover.
- Easily hundreds on cherry tree
- Moths spotted by Yeniceri
- Gurkan Yeniceri, 25 years
- Canberra resident tenure
- 2019, lights dimmed to keep moths out
- Parliament House incident
- Snowy Mountains caves and peaks
- Migration destination
Why it mattersA species recovery shows environmental conditions are improving, and bogong moths help pollinate gardens and feed wildlife across the region.
AustraliaCanberra gardens are seeing the return of a native species to abundance, a sign of healthier ecosystems and improved conditions across south-eastern Australia.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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