Wild Animals

Wild Moth Decline and Light Pollution

UK moth populations have declined by a third since the 1970s due to habitat loss, pesticides and artificial light at night which disrupts navigation, reproduction and predator avoidance.

Key Facts

UK has around 900 moth species; 40% are in significant decline
Light pollution disorients moths, draws them toward light sources and exposes them to predation
Many moths are key pollinators of night-flowering plants and prey for bats
Pesticide use reduces both moths directly and the larval food plants they require

Welfare Considerations

Moths drawn to artificial lights enter a confusion state that disrupts foraging, reproduction and migration. Exposure to light sources attracts predators and exhausts individuals through endless circling. Larvae deprived of food plants through herbicide use die through starvation. While moth sentience is uncertain, precautionary welfare concern is warranted given the scale of mortality.

What You Can Do

Replace outdoor lights with downward-directed, warm-spectrum LEDs on motion sensors
Plant moth-friendly species including night-scented flowers and native trees
Record moths using garden traps and submit records to the National Moth Recording Scheme
Campaign for dark sky reserves and light pollution reduction in planning policy