Endangered Bogong Moths Sighted Again in Australia
Bogong moths, whose numbers previously declined due to drought and pesticides, have reappeared in southeastern Australia this spring with thousands of individuals.
Endangered bogong moths undertaking their spring migration in southeastern Australia have been seen again in the thousands, delighting scientists.
Increase in Moth Population
The sighting of thousands of bogong moths in Australia this year has highlighted a rebound in the population of migrating insects in the country's southeast.
Reasons for Past Decline
Increased pesticide use since the 1980s, habitat destruction, and artificial lighting had led to severe declines in the bogong moth population.
Severe droughts, particularly in 2017 and 2018, had caused the insect population to plummet by approximately 99.5 percent.
Migration Journey and Sightings
Setting off from the hot inland plains, bogong moths migrate between September and November to aestivate in the cool alpine regions of the country's east.
Since the beginning of September, the Moth Tracker team has received thousands of reports, with more than 1,600 of them confirmed as bogong moths.
Scientists' Warnings
While emphasizing that this recovery is promising, scientists note that conservation efforts for breeding grounds and habitats must continue due to ongoing threats such as climate change.