Every Moth Counts

From alpine peaks to back verandahs, every Bogong Moth sighting adds depth to a story of survival.

Right now, our On Country team are heading back into the mountains to check cameras and gather more intel on Bogong Moths. Every spring, these remarkable little moths embark on an epic migration – travelling from the lowlands all the way up to the alpine peaks, including parts of Gunaikurnai Country. Their timing couldn’t be more perfect. Just as they arrive, critically endangered Mountain Pygmy-possums are waking from hibernation, hungry and ready for their first meal. For these tiny possums, Bogong Moths aren’t just a snack – they’re essential for survival.

But there’s a problem. Bogong moths are endangered, and in recent years their numbers have plummeted due to drought, severe weather, habitat loss, and changes to agricultural practices. This decline threatens not only the moths themselves but also the Mountain Pygmy-possum, which depends on them as a critical food source. The loss is far-reaching: Bogong moths also serve as important pollinators and provide sustenance for numerous other native species.

That’s why tracking the moths’ movements and monitoring their populations is crucial. This work strengthens conservation efforts and supports the ongoing care of Country.