Drivers (in red) and consequences (in blue) of insect extinctions. Note that drivers often act synergistically or through indirect effects (e.g., climate change favours many invasive species and the loss of habitat). All these consequences contribute to the loss of ecosystem services essential for humans.
The tiniest creatures on the planet are vital to its environment … so always look on the small side of life
SOME of the tiniest creatures on the planet are vital to its environment. But there is a worldwide fall in insect numbers and an accelerating rate of extinction. Now, a global group of 30 scientists – including University of Huddersfield lecturer Dr Matt Hill – is highlighting the issue and suggesting practical steps that everyone can take to help halt the decline. These include mowing lawns less often, avoiding pesticides and leaving old trees, stumps and dead leaves alone.
A specialist in aquatic environments, Dr Hill teaches on the University’s recently-established geography degree course and supervises students as they take part in conservation projects.
He is a co-author of two new articles – available online to all – in the journal Biological Conservation. They are titled Scientists’ warning to humanity on insect extinctions and Solutions for humanity on how to conserve insects.
Pollution and human impact on habitats mean that insects such as beetles, dragonflies and mayflies plus other macroinvertebrates such as snails are in long-term decline across the world, in the UK as much as anywhere, said Dr Hill. Yet they make a vital contribution to the environment.
“They provide food for other animals and they can also have a significant role in the functioning of freshwater ecosystems, forming a critical component in the diversity of life,” says Dr Hill.
Dr Hill was sought out to work with scientists in countries that include Germany, the UK, Columbia, Finland and South Africa. They pooled their research into insect decline and collaborated on the two new articles.
These tell how factors such as climate change, the loss of habitats and pollution – including harmful agricultural practices – have all contributed to declines in insect population and to species extinctions.
Insects have many functions in the ecosystem that cannot be replicated by technology or any other innovation. For example, the need for pollination means that crops depend on insects to survive, and their decomposition means they contribute to nutrient cycling.
Insect Survival – a human’s nine-point plan
The team behind the research and the new articles have drawn up a nine-point plan that enables individuals to contribute to insect survival:
1. Avoid mowing your lawn frequently; let nature grow and feed insects
2. Plant native plants; many insects need only these to survive
3. Avoid pesticides; go organic, at least for your own backyard
4. Leave old trees, stumps and dead leaves alone; they are home to countless species
5. Build an insect hotel with small horizontal holes that can become their nests
6. Reduce your carbon footprint; this affects insects as much as other organisms
7. Support and volunteer in conservation organisations
8. Do not import or release living animals or plants into the wild that could harm native species
9. Be more aware of tiny creatures; always look on the small side of life
The University of Huddersfield’s Dr Hill specialises in aquatic habitats and his areas of research include pondscapes – including garden ponds – and freshwater in urban areas. He teaches modules that include ecological theory and practical conservation. Students take part in field trips that include sampling of macroinvertebrates in rivers and in their second year they conduct an in-depth study of the impact of urbanisation.
“The students are very responsive to the issues and very interested in the conservation of insects and animals in general,” he said.
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Insect extinctions
- The Climate Crisis Is Cooking Baby Bumblebees In Their Nests
Whether they live in the Arctic or the tropics, bumblebee babies appear to have the same nest temperature requirements.
- Loss of large herbivores affects interactions between plants and their natural enemies, study shows
Insects and microorganisms that feed on plants, cut up leaves, modify leaf tissue or produce leaf spots and other kinds of damage, are usually known as pests and considered harmful, yet interactions ...
- AI can ‘transform understanding of biodiversity threats and support action’
UK researchers said they are working with partners across the world to trial monitoring equipment in some of the most biodiverse places.
- Uma Thurman Channels an Extinct Butterfly at the 2024 Met Gala
Uma Thurman was particularly drawn to a now-extinct blue butterfly on designer Tory Burch’s 2024 Met Gala moodboard.
- VA Tech Expert Says Fireflies Aren’t Going Extinct But Numbers Dwindling
For many people, fireflies lighting up backyards is a sign of summertime. The thrill of catching them in a jar and releasing them back into the wild is a childhood pastime. But if you have noticed ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Insect extinctions
[google_news title=”” keyword=”insect extinctions” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Insect conservation
- World Migratory Bird Day festival raises awareness and promoting conservation
HELENA — Montana Wild joined in a worldwide celebration of birds on World Migratory Bird Day. "It's just a way to expose people and hope that they have enjoyment and maybe have some appreciation," ...
- EPA Approves Insect Quartet To Stop Wetland Invader
"These insects have been used as biocontrol agents for more than ... It is listed in the top 100 invasive species worldwide by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and has been ...
- Why you should let insects eat your plants
Renegade gardeners across the world are embracing a new philosophy: gardening that prioritises insects, not plants.
- Invasive ash-tree killer insect detected in Vancouver, a first in B.C.
An invasive insect that has wiped out hundreds of millions of ash trees in eastern Canada has been discovered for the first time in B.C. The emerald ash borer — a small wood-boring beetle native to ...
- Artist Lily Duval on her love of insects and efforts to conserve them
Artist and writer Lily Duval's latest book tells the stories of the insects of Aotearoa, in the hopes of changing attitudes towards them.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Insect conservation
[google_news title=”” keyword=”insect conservation” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]