Story perspectives

Bogong moth swarms return, setting September sighting record

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 3:01 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Bogong moths have returned in massive swarms across New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT.
From 2017-2019 the species lost about 99.5% of its population due to drought, warming and habitat loss.
Wetter, cooler spring weather in 2026 led to a surge that set a new September sighting record.
Bogong moths supply essential protein to the endangered mountain pygmy-possum, so scientists advise avoiding insecticides and lights.

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Story summary

Bogong moths have returned in massive swarms across New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT.
From 2017-2019 the species lost about 99.5% of its population due to drought, warming and habitat loss.
Wetter, cooler spring weather in 2026 led to a surge that set a new September sighting record.
Bogong moths supply essential protein to the endangered mountain pygmy-possum, so scientists advise avoiding insecticides and lights.