2023-08-24 01:19:58
A review of 82 previously published studies on two large groups of insect species highlights recorded declines in insect populations in Europe and links them to human activities that influence insect habitats, according to Quintana Rumohr of the Research Institute for Ecosystem Analysis and Assessment (Germany), and colleagues in the open access journal PLOS ONE (1).
For many years, concern has been raised about the decline in abundance and diversity of insects in various regions of Europe and North America.
Concern about declining abundance and diversity of insects in various regions of Europe and North America has been growing for many years. The trend is complex; for example, after one species declines, another might rise thanks to reduced competition. In addition, the factors underlying the observed declines are complex and vary from region to regionwhich creates uncertainty about efforts to address them.
To help deepen their understanding, Rumohr and colleagues conducted a review of 82 previously published studies addressing the drivers of change in various Central and Western European populations of two large groups of insects, Carabidae (ground beetles) and Lepidoptera (including moths and butterflies). Some of the studies focused on one or the other group and others on both. All studies included population monitoring data of at least 6 years’ duration and focused on agricultural landscapes; most were located in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.
frequent descents
Analysis of the trends described in the 82 articles revealed both increases and decreases in the diversity and abundance of each of the two groups of insects. However, the declines were more frequent, underscoring a general downward trend in Central and Western Europe.
A more detailed analysis of the information contained in the studies suggested that human activities are the main cause of the observed changes, both increases and decreases, in insect populations. These include agriculture, nature conservation, urbanization and climate change. Most of these factors do not directly affect the insects, but influence their habitats.
Modify human activities so that disturbances to nature are reduced while still meeting human needs
These results could serve as a basis for modifying human activities so as to reduce disturbances to nature while still meeting human needs. The authors also note that their analysis reveals the need for future research to focus more on tracking potential factors driving changes in insect populations, along with tracking population trends themselves.
The authors add that “investigating the root causes of insect decline is challenging, as it requires understanding processes that have taken place years or even decades ago. In our study we have taken advantage of the large amount of long-term published data to understand better the factors associated with the decline of insects in Europe”.
References (1) Drivers and pressures behind insect declines in Western and Central Europe based on long-term monitoring data. PLOS ONE.
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