The entomologists from all over the world attended the proceedings of National Academies of Sciences recently. According to the entomologists, the insect population is declining at rapid rate. The scientists have named this as Insect Apocalypse.
What is Insect Apocalypse?
The Earth is losing 2% of its insects every year. This is being termed as “Insect Apocalypse”.
What are the main reasons for the Insect Apocalypse?
The main reasons of Insect Apocalypse are as follows:
- Insecticides
- Climate Change
- Light Pollution
- Herbicides
- Invasive Species
- Changes in land use
- Intensive agriculture
Which two insects best illustrate insect decline?
Honey Bees and Butterflies.
What are the main reasons for the decline of honey bees?
Lack of food, insecticides, herbicides and parasites.
How bad is insect decline?
Insect decline is the worst in North America and in parts of Europe. The first Global Scientific review published in the Biological conservation journal has found the following:
- A third of the insect species have become endangered.
- More than 40% of insect species have declined.
- The rate of extinction of insects is eight times faster than that of birds, mammals and reptiles.
- At the rate of insect apocalypse, insects could vanish within a century.
Why are insects important?
Insects outweigh humanity by seventeen times. They are essential for the proper functioning of the ecosystem as pollinators, food for other creatures and as recyclers of nutrients.
When was the insect decline discussed internationally for the first time?
The United Nations Conference of Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS COP-13) discussed the effects of insects decline on migratory species for the first time. According to the Convention on Migratory Species, insect extinction is to begin. A draft resolution was prepared at the convention. The resolution will help understand die off of the insects and its effects on migratory species.
