UK Moth Decline and Conservation Welfare

UK moth populations have declined by 33% since 1968. Their ecological role and individual welfare deserve greater attention alongside more charismatic invertebrates.

Key Facts

Britain has around 2,500 moth species, of which 900 are so-called macro-moths
Common species such as the garden tiger moth have declined by over 90% since 1960
Moths are critical pollinators, particularly for night-flowering plants
They form a major food source for bats, birds and small mammals
Light pollution, habitat loss and pesticide use are the three primary decline drivers

Welfare Considerations

While the sentience of moths and other lepidoptera is less established than vertebrates, they show behavioural responses to noxious stimuli and have nociceptive systems. From an ecosystem perspective, their decline degrades food chains that sustain clearly sentient animals: bats and birds dependent on moths experience food stress. Reversing moth decline through habitat management, reduced light pollution and pesticide reduction thus benefits the welfare of an entire food web, as well as potential welfare benefits for moths themselves.

What You Can Do

Switch to motion-activated outdoor lighting and use warm-coloured bulbs to reduce moth attraction
Plant night-scented flowers such as honeysuckle, white campion and evening primrose
Reduce or eliminate pesticide use in gardens and advocate for pesticide reform
Record moth species using a garden trap or UV light and submit data to the National Moth Recording Scheme
Support Butterfly Conservation's moth conservation and habitat work