Insect, arthropod, and insectivore population crash

In summary, a recent study showed alarming losses of insect, arthropod, and insectivore populations in tropical and European ecosystems from the 1970's to 2017/2018. The losses ranged from 75% to >98% in different locations, leading to concerns about the implications of these population crashes. The cause of these declines is not yet clear, but potential factors such as global warming, pesticides, and other environmental pollutants are being investigated. This issue is also seen in other species, such as amphibians, and may be linked to human activity and the changing environment. More research is needed to fully understand and address this issue.
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jim mcnamara
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Popular science version: (Let me know if the link has problems)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/scie...s-massive-insect-loss/?utm_term=.f9b8006df72b

Long term sampling from the 1970's to 2017/2018 shows losses of insect, arthropod, and insectivore populations in tropical and European ecosystems. The authors comments were not at all positive about the implications of the population crashes they saw in long term data.

The losses ranged from 75% (1/4 survivorship) to >98% (1/60 survivorship for glue trap samples) from the start of the studies (1970's) until recent census data.

Edited percents.
 
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This is most likely not a good sign even though bugs can be a problem. Are the insect the canary in the mine? What is this telling us? Global warming it would seem would be too slow to explain such a dramatic change. Some crops show a 6% drop in yield for every 1 deg C increase. Since the 70's it has only been about a 0.5 deg or so increase. Could such a small increase in temp cause this? What about pesticides having some slow effect or some other environmental pollutant? Insect might have some common metabolic architecture that could be susceptible to some foreign agent across many species.

A mass extinction has been followed for some decades in the amphibian population around the world too. https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2016/10/14/13147056/amphibian-extinction-frog-bd . A fungus being the culprit at least for some species. Temperature/humidity is a factor for fungus and mold isn't it? But in the tropics the humidity is very high as well as the temperature.

I would not be surprised if it is found attributable to human activity. Humans change the environment much more quickly than nature. This challenges the adaptability of various species.
 
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  • #4
jim mcnamara said:
Popular science version: (Let me know if the link has problems)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/scie...s-massive-insect-loss/?utm_term=.f9b8006df72b

Long term sampling from the 1970's to 2017/2018 shows losses of insect, arthropod, and insectivore populations in tropical and European ecosystems. The authors comments were not at all positive about the implications of the population crashes they saw in long term data.

The losses ranged from 75% (1/4 survivorship) to <2% (1/60 survivorship for glue trap samples) from the start of the studies (1970's) until recent census data.
Yes, Bees have been hard hit in the UK – I found thishttps://dspace.stir.ac.uk/bitstream/1893/862/1/Conservation%20Review6.pdfIntensive farming and fertilizers have been discussed but I don’t think there is anything definitive.Many chemicals have the below biocides are now restricted in the EU under REACh – too late for our Bees though if this is the main reason.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organotin_chemistry#Biological_applicationsAny entomologists on the site? Any viral research links?
 
  • #5
Here is a short article from Science magazine news that discusses the same issues in tropical forests (which are among the most bio-diverse regions in the world).
Not only do they find reductions in insect/arthropod populations but also in the populations of their predators.
 
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jim mcnamara said:
The losses ranged from 75% (1/4 survivorship) to <2% (1/60 survivorship for glue trap samples)
Hi Jim:

I think you intended to say that the small survivorship of 1/60 corresponds to losses of >98% rather than <2%.

Regards,
Buzz
 
  • #8
There are a number of problems with the research into this, the first is with the fact that the issue is linked to some popular causes, you have groups promoting the idea that we are in a man made extinction event, the Anthropocene and the decline in insects is entirely consistent with this, then we have the global warming prediction that we face a huge increase in insect populations. Some of the figures given like last years German study with suggested a decline of 75% seem to be rather ridiculous and severely underestimates the importance of insects in an ecosystem, but studies around the globe do suggest there is something unusual happening and many species are experiencing a decline.
The biggest problem in the research is that there simply isn't enough of it, good baseline measures of populations and the population dynamics simply don't exist, scientists are simply playing catchup. It also seems that many of the suggested culprits don't stand up to close examination, there have been some good examples of how fairly small changes in the environment, like introducing new species of trees can have a massive effect on local insect populations. Studies on colony collapse in honey bees have suggested a transmittable disease in the presence of a particular parasite is the usual finding and it seems it isn't a new phenomena, people have speculated that some insecticides might have compounded the problem. However once the problem became widely recognised Bee Keepers took action and have maintained the population and of course honey production.
A major issue is that many of the suggested causes simply wouldn't have the sort of rapid global effect that seems to be taking place, honey bees represent an important resource and so attracted considerable sums of money for research but its difficult to know how much more will be invested before the problem starts to impact on our own well being. If this decline does turn out to be progressive and the losses increase it certainly will have a significant impact and not just on birds.
 
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1. What is an insect, arthropod, and insectivore population crash?

An insect, arthropod, and insectivore population crash is a sudden and significant decrease in the number of insects, arthropods, and insectivores (animals that primarily feed on insects) within a certain area or ecosystem. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as environmental changes, habitat loss, pollution, disease, and human activities.

2. What are the potential consequences of a population crash for these species?

A population crash can have severe consequences for these species, as it can lead to a decline in their populations and even extinction. This can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem and have a ripple effect on other species that depend on these insects, arthropods, and insectivores for food or other ecological services.

3. What are the main reasons for a population crash?

There are several reasons that can contribute to a population crash, including climate change, habitat destruction, pesticide use, and diseases. Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and overexploitation of resources can also play a significant role in causing these crashes.

4. How can scientists study and monitor insect, arthropod, and insectivore populations?

Scientists use various methods to study and monitor these populations, such as field surveys, laboratory experiments, and remote sensing techniques. They also collect and analyze data on population trends, species diversity, and habitat conditions to assess the health and stability of these populations.

5. What can be done to prevent or mitigate a population crash?

To prevent or mitigate a population crash, it is essential to address the root causes. This includes implementing sustainable land use practices, reducing the use of pesticides, and protecting and restoring natural habitats. Additionally, more research and monitoring efforts are needed to better understand the factors that contribute to these crashes and develop effective conservation strategies.

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