Bogong Moth Population Rebounds Across Eastern Australia After Severe Decline
Vast numbers of Bogong moths have returned to eastern Australia in late 2026, marking a significant rebound for the endangered species following a 99.5% population crash.
Original PrimaryBrief article graphic. Not a photograph of the event.
THE PRIMARY BRIEF
01 · The primary finding
Bogong moth populations in eastern Australia have seen a significant rebound in late 2026, with current sightings exceeding previous years, following a severe 99.5% population crash between 2017 and 2019.
02 · The primary evidence
Citizen science projects like Bogong Watch and Moth Tracker recorded 12,000 verified sightings by October 2026, six times higher than previous best seasons, attributed to three consecutive years of La Niña weather patterns.
03 · Why it matters
The return of these moths is important for Australian ecosystems, serving as a food source for the endangered Mountain Pygmy-possum, aiding pollination, and holding deep cultural significance for Indigenous Australians.
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Huge numbers of Bogong moths have appeared across eastern Australia in late September and October 2026, with sightings in New South Wales alone surpassing all of the previous year's total. This revival follows a severe population crash between 2017 and 2019, which reduced their numbers by up to 99.5%.
The return of these moths influences Australian ecosystems, as they provide food for species like the Mountain Pygmy-possum, contribute to pollination, and hold deep cultural significance for Australia's First Nations peoples. Their dramatic return offers optimism for the health of the broader food web.