The number of insects in the world is rapidly decreasing
- Scientists warn that the global insect population has declined dramatically in recent decades. A new analysis shows that the world is losing nine percent of insects every ten years.
The researchers analyzed more than 166 long-term measurements taken between 1925 and 2018 at 1,676 sites. They found that the number of insects decreases by 0.92 percent each year, or by nine percent every ten years. The results of the study were published in the scientific journal Nauka.
One of the authors of the study, Dr. Rules van Klinks, explained that although 0.92 percent per year is not much, it is already 24 percent in 30 years and 75 percent in 50 years.
"The decrease in the number of insects is happening quietly, unnoticed by us. It's like going back to where you grew up and seeing how things have changed-not always for the better," Klinx said.
However, it should be noted that the decline in the insect population is not uniform, that is, it varies depending on time and geography. According to scientists, in some places the number of insects is not decreasing, but increasing.
A particular increase in numbers is observed among mosquitoes and other freshwater insects. Their number is growing by 1.08 percent every year. The researchers say that this is due to the measures taken to preserve freshwater sites.
"These figures show that we can stop the negative trends, so we hope that we can also stop the current trend of declining insect numbers," said Jonathan Chase, professor of biodiversity synthesis.
The authors of the study found that populations of three groups of insects living in trees are relatively stable, while flying and terrestrial insects have experienced the sharpest declines. Research shows that there can be dramatic differences between regions and even areas close to each other. A greater decline in insect numbers is naturally observed in areas that are more affected by human economic activity and urbanization.
The largest decline in insect populations is observed in the western United States and in Europe. For example, in Germany, the number of flying insects has decreased by more than 75 percent over the past thirty years, according to a 2017 study published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE.
Collective attention has been drawn to the phrase "insect armageddon," which focuses on one of the largest and most diverse groups of organisms on our planet. However, insects are still poorly understood," researcher Maria Dornelas commented.
Researchers are currently saying that additional comparative data is needed on the impact of human activity on insect populations, as well as information on the state of insect populations in other parts of the world. It is also necessary to understand how the observed decline in insect populations affects the global ecosystem. Sharing a great platform with friends pays off literally. Once you have registered using a 1xbet register promo code you can generate your own unique referral link or code. Send it to friends who are new to betting. When they sign up, make a deposit, and meet minimum wagering requirements, you receive a referral bonus. Typical amounts range from 50€ to 200€ per referred friend. Some programs offer a percentage of your friend’s first deposit (e.g., 10%). There is no limit to how many people you can refer. Referral bonuses are withdrawable without wagering in many cases. It is one of the to earn passive bonus funds.