Research: ‘Threat due to drop in number of insects smaller than expected’ | NOW

The decline in the global insect population appears to be less than expected, according to a study published in the journal on Thursday Science.

In 2017, German and Dutch researchers concluded that the insect population in nature reserves had decreased by three quarters (75 percent) in 27 years. They calculated a drop of three percent per year. As a result of this research, among other things, there seemed to be a real threat that insects could die out.

The conclusions were often questioned. To gain more clarity, a new study was conducted by an international group of researchers from the German Center for Integrated Biodiversity Research (iDiv), the University of Leipzig (UL) and the Martin Luther University in Halle-Wittenberg (MLU). The study was led by the Dutchman Roel van Klink. The study compared 166 comprehensive studies of insect populations in 1,700 different places around the world.

The scientists conclude that there is indeed a worldwide decrease in the insect population on land, but the population is declining less rapidly than the previous study showed. The study predicts a drop of 0.9 percent per year, about three times slower. Over the past thirty years, there would have been a 25 percent decline.

According to the research, the number of insects that live in fresh water increased by about one percent per year.

Decline is still worrying

Still, the scientists warn that a 0.9 percent drop per year is also worrying. Insects are important for ecosystems, among others. They pollinate plants and flowers and serve as food for other animals.

The research also reveals important regional differences. The number of insects is declining mainly in Europe and North America. There has been a decline in North America for some time, but it has been slow. In Europe, the decline has only recently started, but it is accelerating.

Little is known about the cause of the decline. The disappearance of the habitat of insects due to urbanization and agriculture may play a role.

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