Encouraging early signs for Bogong moths

By PHOEBE MORGAN THEIR numbers have been challenged in recent years, but in encouraging signs Bogong moths are already being sighted in the local area well ahead of their spring migration. The moths are more frequently seen in spring, flying back from as far as southern Queensland to prepare for their summer hibernation. The main challenge facing the moths is being distracted from their traditional routes by new light pollution from built-up areas in recent years. The culmination of light pollution, habitat destruction, insecticides and climate change took such a severe hit to their numbers, that in December of 2021 the International Union for Conservation of Nature classified them as an endangered species. According to Zoos Victoria, from 2016, population numbers dropped dramatically by 99.5 per cent. However, thanks to new tracking apps and local and interstate coordination efforts, the moth numbers are holding steady. Bogong moths are a key link in the regional Alpine ecosystem, serving as a nutritional staple for the Mountain Pygmy-Possum, which is also critically endangered. Zoos Victoria suggests two courses of action to fight the decline in Bogong moth numbers. Firstly, they ask that householders turn off any unnecessary outdoor lights on their property. The less light pollution in the area, the less chance that the moths will be driven off course. Secondly, if you do happen to see Bogong moths in the area, upload a picture of the moths and an estimate of their numbers via the Zoos Victoria website. By doing so, this will help to collect data on their flight paths and numbers. Bogong moths are mostly brown, approximately 2.5 - 3.5 centimetres long, with a dark stripe down each wing. This stripe then has two white spots on each end: one circular, one kidney-shaped.

Encouraging early signs for Bogong moths

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