A Worrying State of Insect Decline

Despite their small size, insects have huge roles in maintaining ecosystem balance. Unfortunately, a growing number of studies have revealed a worrying trend of insect decline around the globe, which can have fatal consequences for people and the planet.

Irreplaceable Roles in Ecosystem

From buzzing and flying creatures to those that hop around, insects are among the parts of nature we encounter daily. Some people might have an aversion to them, but we cannot deny insects’ integral role in balancing natural ecosystems.

For example, bees and butterflies are pollinators, helping  plants reproduce. Studies have also examined the potential of dung beetles in reducing agricultural methane emission due to their ability to break down and bury animal waste, though the scale is certainly much smaller than human efforts. Insects also help in pest control, water filtration, and soil enrichment.

Unfortunately, over 40% of insect species are threatened with extinction. Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) and Hymenoptera (wasps, bees, and ants) are among the insect orders experiencing the most significant decrease. For instance, the population of western monarch butterflies has declined from around 10 million to 1,914 between the 1980s and 2021.

Studies found that land conversion for agricultural purposes is the main driver of insect decline, as it leads to habitat loss and shifts in the diversity of species in the area. Chemical pesticides and fertilizers used in agricultural activities can also lead to water and soil pollution, which cause further ecosystem degradation not only for the immediate area but also its surrounding. Other culprits behind widespread insect decline include invasive species, light pollution, sound pollution, and climate change.

Far-reaching Consequences

Then, how does insect decline impact us? As they perform critical ecosystem services, the absence of insect population can throw our ecosystems off balance.

The dwindling number of insects in the wild means that birds, larger mammals, and species that rely on insects for food will struggle to find sustenance. This can lead to a declining population of predator species, which can disrupt the overall food chain and ecosystems. In the UK, for instance, a study found that the population of farmland birds, whose life depends on sawflies, ground beetles, and weevils, fell by 60% between 1970-2019, along with substantial decline in insect population as well.

Furthermore, insect decline also affects plant life cycle by reducing the number of pollinators and limiting the production of vegetables and fruits. Pollinators, which are mostly insects, contribute to around 35% of global crop production volume. Insect decline does not only mean the lack of food and nutrients in our plate, but also challenges for farmers’ livelihood as their yields decrease. The consequences of insect decline are far-reaching, which is why the situation calls for immediate and concrete actions to conserve insects.

Addressing Insect Decline

On a large scale, halting the decline of insect species population means evaluating land conversion practices that cause habitat loss and shifting towards environmentally friendly agricultural and development practices. With rapid urbanization that leads to even more infrastructure development, it is crucial to ensure our built environment allows us to coexist with nature, including insects, as nature’s wellbeing is linked to us.

Another key aspect is strengthening support and management for conservation areas to help provide insects with designated spots to thrive. Continuous research and innovations, with the wisdom and participation of local communities, is also essential.

Meanwhile, our actions as individuals can also make a difference. Being mindful of our light usage, cultivating plants with non-toxic pesticides, and shifting to organic food supply are among the ways we can contribute to protecting insects, and other lives on Earth.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma

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