The endangered Southern Pink Underwing Moth is showing signs of resilience thanks to a large-scale environmental restoration project led by Envite Environment in collaboration with Local Traditional Owner groups, Ecologists and bush regenerators.

Systematic weed control is improving the condition of breeding habitat across 38 sites covering 687 hectares. With 70% of works already completed, weed infestations in treatment areas have been reduced by more than 90%. This has created the right conditions for the recovery of the moth’s larval host plant, the carronia vine (Carronia multisepalea), a crucial step in securing the species’ future.

Surveys conducted alongside the works have delivered encouraging results. Teams recorded a total of 444 larvae and 404 eggs, with 24 out of 25 surveyed sites hosting moth populations. Patches of carronia vine were also mapped, helping ecologists and bush regenerators better understand habitat distribution and moth population health. Further seed collection and propagation of carronia vine is now underway, with young plants soon to be distributed to landholders for planting in priority habitat areas.

Partnerships are at the heart of this project. Envite Environment has worked closely with the Bandjalang Minyumai IPA Rangers and Coffs Harbour’s Darrunda Wajaarr Rangers, mentoring bush regenerators in rainforest restoration and survey techniques. This knowledge sharing strengthens local capacity and empowers communities to lead conservation efforts into the future.

Restoration works are taking place in lowland rainforest sites across the Coffs Harbour region, earmarked for inclusion in the proposed Great Koala National Park, as well as in the Big Scrub, one of the most important remnants of lowland subtropical rainforest in northern NSW. These efforts safeguard breeding habitat for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth while also contributing to the recovery of threatened rainforest landscapes.

This initiative demonstrates how collaboration and shared commitment can deliver lasting outcomes for biodiversity, for landscapes, and for communities.

This project received grant funding from the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species Program.

For information on the 61 Saving Native Species projects, visit: Saving Native Species – DCCEEW

Published 25/9/2025.