Insects are the most numerous species on the planet. Yet in the last thirty years have suffered an unprecedented decline. 56% of all invertebrates had been eradicated.
They form the base of the food chain for a range of birds and mammals. Without them the birds and mammals collapse too. And that is what is happening. 50% of all mammals have gone in the last thirty years!
This is a catastrophe not only for them but ultimately for us. We are all part of that rich food web.
What is killing them off?
- Deforestation – loss of habitat (mining, logging)
- Pesticides (monoculture crops requiring spraying)
- Pollution
- Overpopulation (there are too many of us)
We need to do something before we end up destroying everything.
38 degrees is running a campaign to highlight the plight of bees. Bees are an essential pollinator and yet they are being wiped out due to pesticide use. These same pesticides are wiping out swathes of other insects indiscriminately.
Remember the toxic pesticides that wipe out bees? This week, an influential group of scientists concluded that they don’t just kill bees – they wreak “havoc” with other insects and plants in the countryside too.
Very sad. I have attempted to honour the natural world in my poems on my blog.
It is indeed tragic. The natural world is our children’s future. Thanks for commenting. Best wishes – Opher.