There are plenty of six-legged pests you probably have no desire to protect. Mosquitoes, for example, buzz around in pursuit of your blood, sometimes carrying lethal diseases like malaria and West Nile virus. No, thanks. Then, you have other insects — the ones that play a crucial role in helping our world thrive, like bees, butterflies and beetles.
Ensuring these helpful insects continue to thrive is essential. With the increased use of pesticides and the impending effects of climate change, conservation efforts have never been more urgent. Let’s dive into why safeguarding these insects is important for the health of our planet and its inhabitants.
The Role of Insects in Ecosystems
Butterflies are ethereal creatures, admired for their grace and beauty, but they — and countless other insects — play a far more important role than simply being beautiful. Here’s how insects, unsung heroes of nature, are positively impacting the world one pollinated flower at a time:
- Pollinating wild plants and crops
Pollination is essential for plant reproduction, a process crucial for protecting global ecosystems. Insects pollinate more than 75% of the world’s crops, making them essential for sustaining Earth’s growing population.
- Removing organic waste
Beetles and maggots play a key role in breaking down organic matter, such as dead animals and rotting plants.
- Being a reliable food source
Insects are a primary food source for hundreds of animals, including birds, lizards and mammals.
- Controlling pests
Nature’s pest control comes from insects like ladybugs and wasps, which help keep unwanted pests like aphids and mites under control.
Causes of Insect Population Decline
There are over 1 million species of insects on the planet, making up approximately two-thirds of all animal species. But according to Reuters, the global insect population is declining at an alarming rate of 2% each year.
So, what’s causing such a rapid drop in the number of insects worldwide? Here are some primary causes:
- Habitat loss
With human population increasing and urbanization on the rise, entire habitats are being destroyed, leaving less room for insects and other animal species to thrive.
- Pesticide use
Pesticides can prove beneficial when removing unwanted pests, but they’re also capable of inadvertently killing non-targeted insect species.
- Climate change
Rising temperatures are impacting the life cycles, habitats and food sources of insects globally.
Consequences of Insect Decline
While losing 2% of the world’s insect population annually might not feel dramatic, if it continues, there will be 40% fewer insects by 2050. This decline could lead to severe consequences for our planet, including:
- Disrupted food chains
The decline of insects disrupts nature’s food chain. For example, birds like warblers and swallows rely on insects as their primary food source. A shortage of these insects can lead to a decline in certain bird species, which in turn negatively impacts creatures that prey on those birds, such as raccoons and snakes.
- Reduced produce availability
According to the United Nations, the current worldwide population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 8.6 billion by 2030 and 9.8 billion by 2050. Without enough pollinators to maintain (or increase) the current production of crops, there’s potential for global food shortages.
Strategies for Insect Conservation
To prevent the disastrous effects of ongoing insect decline, it’s crucial that we act now. Whether you’re an insect conservationist or simply someone who cares about the planet, there are several ways we can work together to enhance insect conservation efforts:
- Restoring habitats
While you might not be able to stop large-scale deforestation, you can still make a difference by planting native species in your yard. This helps support local insect populations by providing essential food and shelter.
- Reducing pesticide use
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: Ladybugs are one of nature’s best pesticides. They mitigate the aphid population without harming your precious plants or other beneficial insects. You can also create all-natural pesticides using everyday ingredients such as garlic, peppermint oil or cayenne pepper.
- Raising public awareness
While this article is a step in the right direction, the more voices that advocate for insect conservation, the better! We encourage you to spread the word about the importance of preserving beneficial insects. Through workshops, social media campaigns and community activities, we can increase public understanding and encourage active participation in insect conservation.
Stake Your Claim in Insect Conservation Efforts
As an entomologist or conservation biologist, you play a crucial role in protecting the world’s insect biodiversity for years to come. Whether you’re already working in entomology or ready to start a career in this dynamic field, the University of Florida offers several online graduate credentials tailored to your skills and interests. Choose from an online master’s degree or graduate certificate in one of four specialization areas:
- Medical Entomology
- Landscape Pest Management
- Urban Pest Management
- Beekeeping
Proudly ranked as the No. 1 entomology and nematology program globally by the Center for World University Rankings, we invite you to join our esteemed online graduate programs. We also offer:
- Affordable tuition rates.
- No GRE requirement.
- Year-round start dates.
- Asynchronous courses (complete your work on your timeline).
Begin your journey toward insect conservation and apply for the program that ignites your passion today!
Sources:
https://www.un.org/en/desa/world-population-projected-reach-98-billion-2050-and-112-billion-2100
https://wildlifesos.org/animals/entomophagous-animals-those-who-feast-on-insects/
https://www.reuters.com/graphics/GLOBAL-ENVIRONMENT/INSECT-APOCALYPSE/egpbykdxjvq/
https://northerngardener.org/ladybugs-asian-lady-beetles-and-aphids/
