The consequences are clear; if insect declines are not halted, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems will collapse, with profound consequences for human wellbeing. Wild insects are routinely exposed to complex cocktails of toxins which can cause either death or disorientation and weakened immune and digestive systems.” Recent evidence suggests that insect abundance may have declined by 50% or more since 1970, but insect declines are not as well studied as those in larger animals, like birds and mammals. A new study suggests that 40 percent of insect species are in decline, a sobering finding that has jarred researchers worldwide. This report summarises some of the best available evidence of insect declines and proposes a comprehensive series of actions that can be taken at all levels of society to recover their diversity and abundance. We urgently need to stop all routine and unnecessary use of pesticides and start to build a nature recovery network by creating more and better connected, insect friendly habitat in our gardens, towns, cities and countryside. Devon Wildlife Trust Published on November 4, 2019 A new report commissioned by an alliance of Wildlife Trusts concludes that drastic declines in insect numbers will have far-reaching consequences for wildlife and people, causing losses of insect eating birds, bats, and fish. The causes of insect declines are much debated, but almost certainly include habitat loss, chronic exposure to mixtures of pesticides, and climate change. Maybe they disagree with some of my comments.) By Christian Schwägerl • July 6, 2016 The full Wildlife Trusts report Insect declines and why they matter can be downloaded here. We do not know for sure whether similar reductions in overall insect abundance have happened in the UK. UK bees and hoverflies have also shown marked range contractions. We make a difference for Suffolk by managing nature reserves - securing a bigger, better and more connected landscape for wildlife and by inspiring the next generation through hands-on experiences with nature. “Wild insects are routinely exposed to complex cocktails of toxins which can cause either death or disorientation and weakened immune and digestive systems.” Prof Goulson, author of the report, says: “Insects make up the bulk of known species on Earth, and they are integral to the functioning of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, performing vital roles such as pollination, seed dispersal and nutrient cycling. We have something for everyone! This is quite staggering, and has wide-ranging implications for all life on earth. Examples of how you can help can be found here and Jersey and Guernsey’s Pollinator Project. Examples of how you can help can be found here. Overall, though, there was a 35% decline in the total number of insects. See Insect declines and why they matter report here . The good news is that it is not too late; few insects have gone extinct so far, and populations can rapidly recover. Many scientists think the current worldwide annihilation of wildlifeis the beginning of a huge loss of species on Earth. Habitat loss and the widespread use of toxic pesticides, particularly insecticides, have been linked to the drastic decline in diversity and abundance of invertebrate populations; it is estimated that 41% of our insect species face extinction. Gardens can be a haven for wildlife, helping connect up wild places in our wider landscape, creating a Nature Recovery Network that enables nature to live alongside us. briantomasik 2018, Apr 01 at 11:41 am (Apologies that I haven’t read most of the sources you cite. The consequences are clear; if insect declines are not halted, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems will collapse, with profound consequences for human wellbeing. The report, ‘Insect declines and why they matter’ has been written by invertebrate expert Dave Goulson, Professor of Biology at the University of Sussex. The consequences are clear; if insect declines are not halted, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems will collapse, with profound consequences for human wellbeing. The report states that insect decline will cause knock-on losses for insect eating birds, bats and fish, whilst costing society many millions in lost revenue and broken ecosystems. Devon Wildlife Trust Published on November 4, 2019 A new report commissioned by Wildlife Trusts concludes that drastic declines in insect numbers will have far-reaching consequences for wildlife and people, causing losses of insect eating birds, bats, and fish, whilst costing many millions in In work published in 2015 (Ewald et al 2015), analyses of 26 insect groups showed that the abundance of 12 insect taxa declined, two increased and the remainder show variability, with some recovering then declining. Insect populations can recover rapidly if given the chance. Our vision for Suffolk is a joined-up landscape where species can spread out from nature reserves into wildlife-rich countryside, towns and villages. But it’s not too late. Where declines are documented, the next important step is to figure out why they’re occurring. It is the only charity dedicated wholly to safeguarding Suffolk's wildlife and countryside. We’re bringing back some of our favorite stories of the past year. Insect populations are declining dramatically in many parts of the world, recent studies show. Prof Goulson, author of the report, says: “Insects make up the bulk of known species on Earth, and they are integral to the functioning of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, performing vital roles such as pollination, seed dispersal and nutrient cycling. Animals and plants that were once common are now scarce, and insects are no exception. These innumerable little creatures are far more important for the functioning of ecosystems than the large animals that tend to attract most of our attention. The report details the crucial ecosystem services provided by insects, the evidence of insect declines, and what we can do to turn things around. A new report, Insect Declines and Why They Matter, commissioned by a group of Wildlife Trusts has revealed that drastic declines in insect numbers look set to have serious consequences for wildlife and people. The causes of insect declines are much debated, but almost certainly include habitat loss, chronic exposure to mixtures of pesticides, and climate change. An unnoticed apocalypse of insects is set to have far-reaching consequences for wildlife and people, a new report warns. While Insect Declines and Why They Matter points to habitat loss and pesticide use as key causes of insect declines, it also acknowledges other pollutants and stressors, from "heavy metals such as mercury released by mining and industrial processes" to invasive species and the … The best data we have in the UK and Channel Islands is for butterflies and moths (see Jersey here and report 2004-2013), which show a broad decline. To bring about this recovery, we have to make more space for insects. A new report, Insect Declines and Why They Matter, commissioned by a group of Wildlife Trusts in the south west has revealed conclusively that drastic declines in insect numbers look set to have far-reaching consequences for wildlife and people. The causes of insect declines are much debated, but almost certainly include habitat loss, chronic exposure to mixtures of pesticides, and climate change. 5 thoughts on “ [OPEN QUESTION] Insect declines: Why aren’t we dead already? Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Registered charity number 262777, A group of Wildlife Trusts call for urgent action on insects - together we can reverse unnoticed ‘apocalypse’, Continuing Professional Development (CPD), Nationally significant infrastructure projects, Catchment Scale Restoration on the River Blyth, Legacy stories: Arger Fen & Spouse's Vale, Find out more and take a pledge for insects here. The latest publication follows the ‘Insect Declines and Why They Matter’ report, released in 2019, which concluded: “the consequences are clear; if insect declines are not halted, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems will collapse, with profound consequences for human wellbeing.” Inspiring interest in the natural world and getting children closer to nature is what Suffolk Wildlife Trust is all about - to make nature part of everyday life. We also have a network of learning centres and locations throughout the county. Insects are food for numerous larger animals including birds, bats, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and they perform vital roles such as pollination of crops and wildflowers, pest control and nutrient recycling. A report, Insect Declines and Why They Matter, published in November 2019 by an alliance of Wildlife Trusts in the south-west, brought together evidence that showed the loss of 50% or more of our insects since 1970, and the shocking reality that 41% of the Earth's remaining five million insect species are now 'threatened with extinction'. In a report titled Insect Declines and Why They Matter, Professor Dave Goulson described the dire situation, with a particular focus on the United Kingdom. “We know the main causes of decline include habitat loss and fragmentation, and the overuse of pesticides. If we allow insects to continue to decline there will be profound consequences for all life on Earth, including ourselves. Events for tots through to teens, wildlife courses for adults, practical conservation volunteering and 50 nature reserves which are free to visit. The causes of insect declines are much debated, but almost certainly include habitat loss, chronic exposure to mixtures of pesticides, and climate change. A new report, Insect Declines and Why They Matter, commissioned by a group of Wildlife Trusts has revealed conclusively that drastic declines in insect numbers will have far-reaching consequences for wildlife and people. A new report commissioned by a group of Wildlife Trusts concludes that drastic declines in insect numbers will have far-reaching consequences for wildlife and people, causing knock-on losses of insect eating birds, bats, and fish, whilst costing society many millions in lost revenue and broken ecosystems. The consequences are clear; if insect declines are not halted, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems will collapse, with profound consequences for human wellbeing. You can read more in The Wildlife Trusts’ new report about our disappearing insects Insect declines and why they matter. Insect declines and why they matter is a new report authored by invertebrate expert and friend of the Channel Island Pollinator Project Professor Dave Goulson. They provide a food source for other larger animals, pollinate crops and wildflowers, recycle nutrients, control pests, disperse speeds, and clean water by breaking down and filtering organic matter among other things. Maybe even more concerning are the huge knowledge gaps; we know little about the fate of many of the more obscure invertebrates that are also crucial to healthy ecosystems. The positive message from this report is that we know why our pollinators and other insects are dying and that concerted action from government, local authorities, food growers and the public can reverse this unfolding disaster. A new report, Insect Declines and Why They Matter, commissioned by an alliance of Wildlife Trusts in the south west, concludes that drastic declines in insect numbers look set to have far-reaching consequences for both wildlife and people. The best UK data are for butterflies and moths which are broadly in decline, particularly in farmland and in the south. It has happened five times in the last 4bn years, as a result of It highlights effects on insect-eating birds, bats, and fish, and also the cost to society in terms of the millions in lost revenue and broken ecosystems. Enter your email address to subscribe to this site and receive notifications of new posts by email. Exclusive: Insects could vanish within a century at current rate of decline, says global review Editor’s pick: best of 2019. What we do know however is that the main causes of decline include habitat loss and fragmentation, and the overuse of pesticides. 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