The insects disappear, and it's more serious than we think
This is the result of several studies combined that announce the extinction of insects within a few decades. A real disaster announced for all biodiversity.
According to the authors of this synthesis of 73 studies published in the journal Biological Conservation, we are even witnessing "the most massive episode of extinction" since the disappearance of the dinosaurs. Today, about a third of insect species are threatened with extinction "and every year about 1% more is added to the list", calculated Francisco Sanchez-Bayo and Kris Wyckhuys, of the universities of Sydney and Queensland. . Clearly, "in 50 years there will only be half of it and in 100 years there will be no more."Insects, unloved but necessary
Small animals, which make up two-thirds of land species, are disappearing at a rapid rate. "The proportion of declining insect species (41%) is twice as high as that of vertebrates," say the researchers. It is certain, one is more easily moved by the plight of large animals than winged critters or with hairy legs that sting and scratch. And yet, they are "of vital importance for planetary ecosystems", insist the scientists who expect a real disaster.
Nearly half of insect species, essential to ecosystems and economies alike, are in rapid decline worldwide, warns study warns of "catastrophic collapse" of natural environments
http://u.afp.com/J3GF by @CathHours #AFP
Among the most affected are butterflies and moths of the Lepidoptera family, bees, wasps, ants and hornets, hymenoptera ... Beetles, and ladybugs are also among the most endangered, as well as as pearls, also called stone flies. Aquatic insects such as dragonflies are not spared.
One could rejoice not to have to clean his windshield on the country roads, or to eat more quietly outside, without fearing a voracious attack of bees.
But with the collapse of insects, all the biodiversity is threatened. If a buzz will certainly not fail us, what about the song of birds? According to a late 2017 study based on catches made in Germany, Europe would have lost about 76% of its insects in less than 30 years, helping to remove more than 400 million birds. Birds, but also hedgehogs, lizards, amphibians (like frogs), fish ... all feed on insects. In addition, plants are directly threatened by the disappearance of pollinating insects that facilitate their reproduction. But according to Greenpeace, 75% of global food production depends on these bees and other drones.
Intensive agriculture pointed the finger
The decline of insects dates back to the beginning of the 1950th century, but it accelerated in the years 60-20 to reach "alarming proportions" during the last XNUMX years. Urbanization, deforestation, agricultural conversion ... Insects are losing their habitat, driven out by the intensification of agricultural practices, and especially the massive use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Sánchez-Bayo points in particular to new classes of insecticides, such as neonicotinoids, banned in France since 2018 (except derogations), and fipronil which persist in the environment: "They sterilize the soil, killing all the worms", he explains. To this are added pathogens (viruses, parasites), to which certain species would become less resistant, invasive species and climate change, especially in tropical regions for the moment.
Despite a certain optimism displayed in the face of the disappearance of insects, the vice-president of the French Committee of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) thinks that "we must change gear as quickly as possible". "I do not know if, under these conditions, we can rejoice in the pragmatism of the President of the Republic on glyphosate", notes François Letourneux on France Info.
"Because the disappearance of insects is obviously pesticides, insecticides and also herbicides that destroy the environments in which they live."