Species 6. Agrotis infusa.
Bogong Moth.
Estimated Numbers
Unknown numbers remain.
The Challenge
The challenge for humanity to save the Bogong Moth from extinction centers on habitat degradation, climate change, and the disruption of its migratory patterns. This remarkable species is known for its long-distance migration to the Australian Alps, where it serves as a vital food source for various predators. However, habitat loss due to urbanization, agriculture, and climate change is threatening its breeding grounds and alpine habitats. Additionally, rising temperatures and changing weather patterns can disrupt the timing of their migrations, leading to mismatches in availability of food resources.
About the work
— Bogong Moth…
…features a large 3D map of the state of NSW, southern Queensland and parts of Victoria. Light particles are mapped to the known Bogon Moth flight paths, and seasonally make migrations too and from the bogong high plains. The piece is photosensitive, and shifts based up changes in light, where increases in light pollution send moths off-course not reaching the destination or obliterating them entirely. The piece mimics the real-world concerns of the bogong and their ability to read the stars and find their way on their great migratory paths.
The team is currently writing up this into an academic paper and more details will appear here soon.