Insects can seem small and easy to overlook. But without them, the existence of Earth could come to an end very quickly. Ecosystems are sustained by their quiet work, but many are vanishing, and scientists wonder why.
Most insects remain undiscovered
Most animals on our planet are insects. They provide food for other animals, clean up garbage, and pollinate flowers. Yet, experts are calling for better protection as bug numbers dwindle.
The urgent need for monitoring is brought to light by a new study published in Science. Only 12,100 of the one million described insect species have been assessed by the IUCN. About 20% of these are considered to be threatened.
In parts of North America and Europe, we know a bit about bumblebees, dragonflies, and butterflies. But in Africa, South America, and Asia, we know very little about insects.
"Insects are crucial to our world," says Dr. Charlotte Outhwaite of ZSL's Institute of Zoology. "But they don't get much attention and are not valued as much as they should be." She and Dr. Rob Cooke of UKCEH collaborated on the study.
Gaps in Action and Data
The research blames the bad bug data on a range of factors. The lives of insects are complex, and their numbers are constantly shifting. They are thus harder to examine than bigger animals.
Dr. Cooke described the problem as a giant puzzle. He stated, "We're missing thousands of pieces." "But we cannot delay."
Common insects such as bees are often the focal point of insect studies. Yet less popular insects, such as cockroaches and earwigs, are also useful. Cooke stated that cockroaches contributed to the soil by breaking down trash.
A New Structure to Fill the Cracks
The study offers a new structure to reinforce bug monitoring. It monitors bug populations and threats with a range of research approaches.
Looking at species variety and changes over time is one approach. Comparing insects' responses to different environmental hazards is another. Field experiments and professional opinion also paint a clearer picture.
Scientists often do not have immediate data. Instead, they rely on known facts about similar insect families. This helps in making educated guesses about the impact of pollutants, invasive insects, and climate change.
"With a million species, we can't monitor them all," said Dr. Outhwaite. Yet we can make decisions that help the great majority of insects.
The scientists believe that gathering seemingly unrelated data can still give a general picture. It can also suggest areas where prompt action is needed and highlight gaps in information.
Scientists hope to protect the insects that make our world go round by linking these pointers together.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
