Decline in big moths ‘worrying’ say experts

A NEW report has shown a “worrying” decline in the populations of larger moths over the last 50 years, which its lead author said is an indication our wider environment is deteriorating.

Figures from On the State of Britain’s Larger Moths, published by wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation, show a decline of 33 percent in the overall population of larger months in the UK between 1968-2017.

Dr Richard Fox, associate director of Recording and Monitoring at Butterfly Conservation and lead author of the report, said the decline is worrying because moths play a vital role in our ecosystems.

“They are pollinators of many plants, with some wildflowers, such as orchids, relying on visiting moths for reproduction. They also provide essential food for thousands of animal species, including bats and many familiar birds.

“We’re lucky enough to have almost 900 species of larger moths in Britain, including micromoths Britain has a total of 2,600 species. Because moths are dwindling, we can be pretty sure that other wildlife is also in decline and that our wider environment is deteriorating.”

Dr Fox said the causes for decline are “mixed” but the common factor is human activity.

Partnered by Rothamsted Research and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, the report draws on records gathered through the Rothamsted Insect Survey and National Moth Recording Scheme.

Its latest findings also show the decline has been slower in the north at 22 percent compared to 39 per cent in the south.