The iconic Bogong moth is more than just a mountain dweller; it’s a continent-wide traveler. As an endangered species, every sighting you record helps map their flyways and protect their future.
Bogong Moths are an endangered species of profound cultural, ecological, and economic importance to Australians. Although famous for their epic migration to the Australian Alps, the Bogong Moth’s distribution and flyways are unknown, making conservation actions impossible.
While they are famous for their summer holidays in the highest peaks of the Australian Alps, you can spot Bogong moths across a massive portion of the country:
Cities & States: Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Tasmania, Southern Queensland, and nearly all of New South Wales.
On the Move: If you aren’t in the high country, look for them as they fly over during their migration.
The Life Cycle Highlights:
Mid-August: Larvae transform into adult moths.
September: They begin heading toward the Alps to escape the heat.
Summer: They settle into summer hibernation sites in the mountains.
Early Autumn: They begin their return journey to the lowlands to breed.
Their schedule depends on where you are:
Lowlands / General – All through Spring, Summer, and Autumn.
High Country (Alps) – From mid-Spring to mid-Autumn.
We know they head for the Alps, but their exact flyways and distribution are still a mystery. By mapping their migration, this project helps:
Identify Threats: Pinpoint where they are most at risk during their journey.
Guide Conservation: Direct specific actions to save this culturally and ecologically vital species.
Create a Model: Develop a continent-wide conservation strategy that can be used for other Australian wildlife.
This project hopes to forge key partnerships and harness citizen scientist to generate the data needed for conservation actions, enhancing capacity to identify and mitigate threats to this species. The Bogong Watch website has lots of information about how to identify Bogongs and submit your sightings. This data is so valuable in helping researchers to advance their knowledge and conserve Australia’s biodiversity.
The iconic Bogong moth is more than just a mountain dweller; it’s a continent-wide traveler. As an endangered species, every sighting you record helps map their flyways and protect their future.
Bogong Moths are an endangered species of profound cultural, ecological, and economic importance to Australians. Although famous for their epic migration to the Australian Alps, the Bogong Moth’s distribution and flyways are unknown, making conservation actions impossible.
How you can be part of the Bogong Watch?
While they are famous for their summer holidays in the highest peaks of the Australian Alps, you can spot Bogong moths across a massive portion of the country:
The Life Cycle Highlights:
Their schedule depends on where you are:
We know they head for the Alps, but their exact flyways and distribution are still a mystery. By mapping their migration, this project helps:
This project hopes to forge key partnerships and harness citizen scientist to generate the data needed for conservation actions, enhancing capacity to identify and mitigate threats to this species. The Bogong Watch website has lots of information about how to identify Bogongs and submit your sightings. This data is so valuable in helping researchers to advance their knowledge and conserve Australia’s biodiversity.
Feature Image: Bogong Moth Watch Website
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