Bogong moths return in record numbers after near-extinction
Bogong moths are swarming the south coast at highest numbers in nearly a decade after a dramatic population recovery.
Bogong moths are everywhere on the NSW south coast right now, in beds, clothes, shoes, and on every surface. The tiny brown insects are on their way to the Australian Alps for winter.
The swarm marks a major comeback for the species, which nearly vanished. A 99.5 per cent collapse between 2017 and 2019 put them on the endangered list.
Dr. Marissa Parrott at Zoos Victoria said this is the best year for the population in nearly a decade. The moths are migrating to their traditional winter home in the mountains.
Visitors to places like Bawley Point can expect heavy moth activity as they pass through.
- 99.5 per cent
- Population collapse
- 2017-2019
- Collapse timeframe
- Nearly a decade
- Best recovery year
- NSW south coast, Australian Alps
- Location
Why it mattersA species on the brink of extinction is bouncing back, showing that conservation efforts work and natural recovery is possible.
AustraliaSouth coast and inland visitors will see unusually high moth numbers this season as the recovered population migrates south.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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