Bogong moths flood NSW homes as endangered species rebounds
Endangered bogong moths have been spotted in their largest numbers in years across NSW, with 800 sightings logged since Friday.
Swarms of the peanut-sized insects are migrating through NSW toward the Snowy Mountains, stopping in homes and gardens along the way. Reina Hill reported millions layered under her deck and eaves in Batemans Bay.
About 200 more sightings were logged in the past 24 hours on the citizen science platform iNaturalist. The species population crashed by as much as 99.5 per cent in 2017 and was listed as endangered in 2021 after steady decline since the 1980s.
According to researchers, several theories might explain this year's surge, including increased rainfall and a warmer winter. The moths are heading to the high country to escape summer heat, making a treacherous journey that draws predators.
Researchers are asking people to photograph sightings to help track the migration.
- 800
- Sightings since Friday
- 2017, down 99.5%
- Population crash year
- 2021
- Endangered listed
- 1980s
- Steady decline from
Why it mattersA species on the brink of extinction is showing signs of genuine recovery, and citizen scientists help track why.
AustraliaNSW residents may spot or host bogong moths over the coming weeks; the resurgence suggests climate and weather shifts are helping an endangered Australian insect recover.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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