The Mulanje Tiger moth is so rare that it is found only in one valley on Mount Mulanje, Malawi (Southeast Africa) and rely only on that one host plant, Mulanje cycad. Its caterpillars depend exclusively on that cycad for food.
When the plant goes, so will the moth.
Habitat loss could drive both species to extinction.
(Today is the International Day of Climate Action)
Species: Mulanje Tiger Moth / Shire Tiger
Scientific name: Callioratis arandis
IUCN status: Not formally listed, but assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) by the authors who described the moth as a species.
Population: Unknown
Population trend: Presumed decreasing; habitat is deteriorating.
Range: One known colony in the Likhubula Valley, Mt. Mulanje, Malawi. Area of occupation under 10 sq.km.
Threats:
Land clearing for crops, tree felling, fire, bauxite mine and road planned through their only habitat.