Biological Conservation
Volume 232, April 2019, Pages 8-27
Worldwide decline of the entomofauna: A review of its drivers
Authors: FranciscoSánchez-Bayoa Kris A.G.Wyckhuysbcd
A comprehensive review of 73 historical reports of insect declines from across the globe, and systematically assess the underlying drivers revealing dramatic rates of decline that may lead to the extinction of 40% of the world’s insect species over the next few decades.
There is compelling evidence that agricultural intensification is the main driver of population declines in unrelated taxa such as birds, insectivorous mammals and insects. In rural landscapes across the globe, the steady removal of natural habitat elements (e.g. hedgerows), elimination of natural drainage systems and other landscape features together with the recurrent use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides negatively affect overall biodiversity.
Almost half of insect species are rapidly declining and a third are being threatened with extinction in the developed countries of Europe and North America; these regions have the most comprehensive historical records that allow comparisons of biodiversity on a temporal scale.
Study: sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii…
Insectageddon is a great story. But what are the facts?
Author: Manu Saunders, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Environmental and Rural Science, UNE
The Insect review, neglects to show evidence that global insect declines are occurring, and fails to provide evidence that insects will be extinct in 100 years. However, it does provide a good number of the drivers that are having devastating impacts on wildlife and ecosystems. It also highlights many knowledge gaps that need to be addressed.
