The bogong moth might not be Australia’s most beloved critter, but researchers hope to make it as cherished as the cuddliest marsupial – and in the process, to bring it back from the brink.
Kate Umbers, the founder of Invertebrates Australia, has been studying the nocturnal natives for more than ten years.
At one point, bogong moths invaded Australian cities in their billions. Now they’re so scarce their population has plummeted by 99.5 percent.
“I want my children and grandchildren to marvel at bogong moths covering Parliament House just like I did,” she told AAP.
Umbers said just five to 10 percent of the expected number of moths have arrived at monitored sites since 2017, although the cause of the decline remains unclear….