====== Insect population decline ======

Various scientific studies have shown that the global terrestrial* insect population is in sharp decline.

The declines are primarily found in 'developed' nations. Estimates for the rate of decline vary wildly. One review study, which compiled the results of 166 previous surveys, suggested that it could be as high as 9% per decade ([[https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aax9931|Science, ]]24 Apr 2020. Vol 368, Issue 6489, pp. 417-420)

The reasons for the decline are not yet clear. Possible factors include :

  * habitat destruction
  * intensive agriculture
  * the use of pesticides 
  * urbanization
  * industrialization
  * air pollution
  * introduced species
  * climate change

See [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decline_in_insect_populations|Wikipedia]]

//Notes://

The decline in insect species is one of the factors which has been suggested as a reason for regional declines in the wild bird population - especially the 'aerial insectivores'. As an example, in the UK almost a third of the native bird species are now on the endangered 'Red List'. See: [[https://britishbirds.co.uk/sites/default/files/BB_Dec21-BoCC5-IUCN2.pdf|Birds of Conservation Concern 5]]{{:oa_padlock_grn.png?16&nolink|open access}} , //British Birds//, 114, December 2021, 723–747

*The //Science// study cited above found that in contrast to land-based insects, aquatic insect populations are rising.

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Also see : [[content:life_sciences:zoology:bee_colony_collapse]]

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