Scientists Tag 14,000 Bogong Moths, None Recaptured, Hinting at Larger Populations or New Routes

Researchers in the Snowy Mountains tagged more than 14,000 Bogong moths, a species listed as endangered. After months of tracking, none of the marked moths were found again. The absence of recaptures suggests either that the moths exist in larger numbers than previously estimated or that they are using migration routes that have not yet been mapped. The study, which employed high‑resolution tracking devices, is the most extensive effort to date on this species. Scientists will continue to monitor the tagged individuals and analyze the data to refine models of Bogong moth movement. The findings underscore the need for updated conservation plans that account for potentially broader distribution and unknown migratory corridors.