DeadlyScience Science Week 2024 - The Bogong Moth with Joshua Waters скачать в хорошем качестве

DeadlyScience Science Week 2024 - The Bogong Moth with Joshua Waters

This year's Science Week theme Species Survival: More Than Just Sustainability is an opportunity to shine the spotlight on some of Australia's endangered and threatened species. The Bogong Moth (Agrotis infusa) is a small yet mighty insect with a profound cultural and ecological significance in Australia. Known for its remarkable annual migration from the plains of southern Queensland and western New South Wales to the Australian Alps, the Bogong Moth plays a crucial role in the diet of many alpine species, including the endangered Mountain Pygmy-possum. For countless generations, Bogong Moths have also been a vital part of First Nations cultural practices. Traditional gatherings around the high country to feast on these moths have deep spiritual and communal significance, symbolising renewal and connection to the land. In recent years, climate change, agricultural practices, and habitat destruction have led to a dramatic decline in Bogong Moth populations, threatening not only the species itself but also the delicate ecosystems and cultural practices that depend on it. Protecting the Bogong Moth is about more than just preserving a species—it's about safeguarding our heritage, our ecosystems, and the future of biodiversity in Australia. Through the integration of Indigenous knowledge and scientific research, we can develop strategies to ensure the survival of this important species and the continued vitality of the landscapes and cultures it supports. We sat down with Kamilaroi man and PhD student Josh Waters to discuss this fascinating topic.