Scientists predicted the imminent extinction of all insects on Earth
We can consider insects pests, but they play an important role on the planet are food for many other animals, pollinate plants and recycle substances.
Recent scientific review published in Biological Conservation, says a sharp decline in insect populations around the world — 40%.
In fact, it is the sixth major extinction on the planet, which has a tremendous impact on other life forms, the scientists write.
Worldwide decline of the entomofauna: A review of its drivershttps://t.co/EwXCnrAS8h
Habitat loss by conversion to intensive agriculture is the main driver of the declines.
Agro-chemical pollutants, invasive species and climate change are additional causes. pic.twitter.com/SgVLp5swp1
— Doing Things Differently (@dtdchange) 11 Feb 2019.
In October 2018, a German research team announced that the insect population in the country declined by 77% between 1989 and 2016. Researchers from Puerto Rico reported a similar reduction compared to the 1970-ies. Review in Biological Conservation proves that it’s not local, but global trends.
In addition, the population decreased by 40%, a third of insect species on Earth is threatened with extinction. Biomass of insects on the planet is reduced by 2.5% per year.
It is very fast. In 10 years we will have a quarter less in 50 years will be only half, and after 100 years, insects will not do.Francisco sánchez-Bayo, the University of Sydney Professor
Insects are the most numerous and (varied species) group of animals in the world and play a very important role in ecosystems. Therefore, this reduction cannot be ignored, the researchers say. It should encourage the governments of all countries to take decisive action to prevent the catastrophic collapse of natural ecosystems.
“The main reason for the extinction of insects is the intensification of agriculture, said Sanchez-Bayo. — This implies the elimination of trees and shrubs, which are usually surrounded by fields, so get the bare fields, which are processed with synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.”