Monitoring bogong population change

Project Summary Project 3.2.8

Bogong moth. Photo: . Photo: CSIRO CC BY 3.0 Collection - Parks

Research in Brief Why is the How will the This project seeks to establish a robust research needed? research help? bogong moth monitoring strategy that Recent reports of bogong moth This project seeks to establish a will provide accurate estimates of the migration failure have caused robust bogong moth monitoring annual variation in biomass available major concerns among managers, strategy that will provide accurate to mountain pygmy possums. Recent ecologists and the general public estimates of the annual variation in reports of bogong moth migration not least because of the important biomass available to possums in the failure have caused major concerns role the moth plays in the diet of alpine area. This will help clarify the among managers, ecologists and the the Endangered mountain pygmy role of the moth in possum survival general public, not least because of possum, but also because of its and breeding success by analysing the important role the moth plays in role in the maintenance of moth monitoring data alongside the diet of the Endangered possum. It alpine ecosystems. pygmy possum breeding success. is also a culturally important to This will assist in assessing there is The mountain pygmy possum Indigenous communities throughout significant moth migration failure has been identified as one of the region. The project will help clarify and support development of options Australia’s mammals most at risk the population status of the moth, for responding to low or failing of extinction. If the moth migration moth biomass entering the Alps and moth migration. its role in possum breeding success, continues to deliver consistently enabling more targeted emergency low biomass to the Alps, there It will also help support a national management strategies for species will be significant implications for forum of expert researchers and dependent on the moth in years the possum and the ecosystem stakeholders to discuss and prioritise of low moth biomass. Ultimately, more generally. A number of knowledge gaps and objectives. it will provide base data on which other dependent species (primarily Ultimately, it will provide base data on to develop a project that seeks to small mammals, reptiles and birds) which to develop a project that seeks manage threats to bogong in may be threatened as a result. to manage threats to bogong moths their breeding grounds in inland in their winter breeding grounds. areas throughout eastern Australia. The project will be undertaken with identifying the most effective close involvement and contribution method for learning about moth of key stakeholders and decision- population dynamics and ecology makers to help ensure that the cost-effectively. monitoring protocol established by There are some existing data the project is the most useful and collection programs, for example, practical it can be for on-ground Goulburn Broken CMA and MPP and park managers to uptake, Taungurung Land and Waters Council, and provides the most relevant so there is some scope to influence information for decision-makers. current monitoring practices. A moth forum will help us bring together key stakeholders from the The third phase of the project will conservation and agriculture sectors. provide analysis of monitoring design options (sampling strategy and What research activities statistical design) with quantification are being undertaken? of the statistical power of competing options (and cost). Contingent on Bogong moth. Photo: John Tann CC BY 2.0 The first phase of the project success in previous phases, the final will provide a review of current phase will involve deployment of knowledge about the moth and the first year of full monitoring in Threatened Species Section of existing moth monitoring efforts, collaboration with the recovery team the Department of Agriculture, including a review of Traditional and key institutions (state agencies, Water and the Environment. Ecological Knowledge, conditional Traditional Owners and ski field Where is the on Traditional Owner willingness authorities). to participate with project support. research happening? During a national forum, experts on Who is involved? bogong moths and stakeholders The project will establish a monitoring The project is being led by involved with the moths will discuss protocol at sites where the bogong researchers from The University of the current state of knowledge as moth is currently known, likely within , in close collaboration well as to prioritise the filling of and then in , with the Melbourne Zoo, the Victorian knowledge gaps. and form a case study for a wider- Department of Environment, Land, ranging monitoring program. The second phase of the project Water and Planning, Parks Victoria, will develop, refine and field-test the Mountain Pygmy Possum When is the candidate monitoring methods, Recovery Team, and the Terrestrial research happening? The project will run for 12 months in 2020.

LEFT: Huddled migrating bogong moths. Photo: CSIRO CC BY 3.0

Further Information For more information please contact: Brendan Wintle [email protected]

This project is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program.