Wildlife Welfare

Wild Moth Conservation Welfare

UK moth populations have declined significantly due to habitat loss and light pollution. Conservation management including habitat restoration and light pollution reduction benefits moth welfare.

Key Facts

UK moth populations have declined by nearly 30% since the 1970s
Light pollution disrupts moth navigation, feeding, and reproduction
Larval food plant loss through habitat change reduces population-level welfare
Moth trapping for monitoring enables population trend assessment
Garden wildlife corridors including hedgerows support moth populations

Welfare Considerations

Moth population decline reflects individual welfare harm from habitat loss and light pollution. Reducing artificial light at night and restoring larval food plant habitat are tractable welfare and conservation interventions.

What You Can Do

Reduce garden light pollution by using directional and motion-sensitive lighting
Plant native larval food plants including wild grasses and flowering plants
Join moth monitoring schemes using light traps
Advocate for light pollution reduction in planning and local policy