Study shows declining insects worldwide



[ad_1]

  A study shows the decline of insects in the world

A bee from 5 October 2018 in Ludwigsburg (Germany) – AFP / Archives

Nearly half of the species of insects vital to ecosystems and Economies are present rapidly declining worldwide, warns a study that warns of a "catastrophic collapse" of natural environments.

"The conclusion is clear: unless we change the way we produce food, insects will have gone extinct in a few decades," say the authors of this "scary" report, a synthesis of 73 studies, highlighting in particular the role of intensive agriculture in the fate of insects.

Today, about a third of all species are threatened. "And every year, about 1% more is added to the list," say Francisco Sanchez-Bayo and Kris Wyckhuys of the Universities of Sydney and Queensland.

What they represent, they note, "the most mbadive episode of extinction." The proportion of insects in decline (41%) is twice as high as that of vertebrates and the rate extinction of local species (10%) is eight times higher "(19659004).

But insects are "of vital importance to ecosystems: such an event can not be ignored and must be avoided".

But what is called the attention of large animals. force us to take action to prevent a catastrophic collapse of natural ecosystems ", the scientists insist in the conclusions of the journal Biological Conservation.

Crop pollination is an example of an essential service provided by insects. On the contrary, the decline" dizzying "bird of the field, phenomenon observed in France in 2018, is an example of the impact of its disappearance.

" There are almost no insects, c & # 39; is the number one problem "Vincent Bretagnolle, one of the researchers," explains that even grain-eating birds need insects at a time of year for their young. "

Australian researchers highlight the loss of their habitats and the loss of their habitats.The use of synthetic pesticides, at the heart of the intensification of agriculture in the world over the past sixty years. 19659006] The study is based n especially in the case of Europe and the United States, where surveillance is more common and regular.

"But these factors apply to all countries of the world, the reality of insects should not be different in tropical countries and developing countries," they point out.

For these reasons, we add pathogens, invasive species and, lastly, climate change, but especially in the tropics. [ad_2]
Source link