Bogong moths make dramatic comeback across eastern Australia
Bogong moth numbers have exploded across eastern Australia this spring. They are reversing a severe population collapse that began in 2017.
Bogong moths are swarming across eastern Australian skies in record numbers. This comes after a dramatic comeback from near extinction.
Citizen science records show moth sightings have surged across the region. Every observation is mapped via the iNaturalist platform.
The species was once so common it numbered in the billions. As many as 4 billion migrated to the Australian Alps each summer.
Numbers crashed badly in 2017 during Australia's drought. They became almost undetectable in alpine regions.
Drought was the largest factor in the collapse. Pesticides and urban light pollution also contributed to the decline since the 1980s.
The resurgence benefits the plants the moths pollinate. It helps endangered animals that depend on them for food, including the mountain pygmy possum.
- 4 billion
- Historic moth numbers
- 1980 to 2016
- Slow decline period
- 2017
- Crash year
- Over 40 years
- Monitoring duration
Why it mattersThe moth recovery shows improved conditions for native ecosystems. It restores a crucial food source for endangered wildlife. Plant pollination also benefits.
AustraliaThe return of bogong moths to Australian skies means healthier alpine ecosystems and hope for endangered species like the mountain pygmy possum.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
