Latest news with #UKCentreforEcology&Hydrology
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists uncover massive collateral damage tied to a routine practice: 'A necessary evil'
For decades, scientists have known that pesticide use negatively impacts many species, including humans, and ecosystems. But new research has found that not only do pesticides harm some species — they harm nearly all of them. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, was conducted by international research teams from the United Kingdom and China. It was one of the largest studies on the broad impacts of pesticide use to date. "Our study provides an unparalleled insight into the consequences of pesticide use on the natural environment globally," co-author Ben Woodcock said in a news release from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, per After analyzing over 1,700 existing studies of agricultural, commercial, and domestic pesticide use, researchers found that the negative effects were "overwhelming," "wide-ranging," and pervasive across hundreds of species, per the report. These negative effects included impacts on reproductive processes, individual growth, hunting and foraging abilities, metabolism, mating behaviors, and more. In many cases, the use of pesticides leads to premature death and population loss. "It is often assumed that pesticides are toxic primarily to the target pest and closely related organisms, but this is clearly not true," Dave Goulson, another researcher, explained. "Concerningly, we found pervasive negative impacts across plants, animals, fungi and microbes, threatening the integrity of ecosystems." It's clear that widespread pesticide use is a major contributor to the loss of biodiversity around the world. And while this may sound like a vague, undefined issue, it has concrete effects. As the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, part of the American Museum of Natural History, puts it, biodiversity provides fundamental resources for humans, including food, shelter, fuel, and medicine. "Further, ecosystems provide crucial services such as pollination, seed dispersal, climate regulation, water purification, nutrient cycling, and control of agricultural pests," it states. Yet pesticides are still used, as Woodcock said, because our modern agricultural systems would fail without them. "Pesticides are a necessary evil, without which global food production and farmers' livelihoods would likely collapse," he said. "However, our findings highlight the need for policies and practices to reduce their use." Do you worry about pesticides in your food? All the time Sometimes Not really I only eat organic Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. While some pesticides will continue being used, researchers recommended limiting their application as much as possible. This is already being done in many parts of the world; for example, over 10% of agricultural land in the European Union is free from synthetic pesticides. And scientists encouraged farmers to adopt a surprisingly simple technique instead of spraying toxic chemical treatments: planting wildflowers. These support species that naturally eat pests, such as ladybugs and beetles. Similarly, wildlife-friendly landscaping can attract other natural predators, including frogs, birds, and hedgehogs. And Woodcock said that there was "a lot of scope in the future" for incorporating technology into future solutions, such as using artificial intelligence to monitor pests with cameras or developing highly accurate application techniques to avoid unnecessary contamination. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
We know next to nothing about 99 per cent of the world's insects: Here's why that's a problem
Despite our outsized impact on the planet, humans are not the dominant species. For every person on Earth, there are approximately 1.4 billion insects. All together, they would weigh 70 times more than the total human population. While insects are by far the most numerous and widespread class in the animal kingdom, woefully little is known about them. Since they're essential to food production, the regularly reported decline in key species is a cause of concern. But does it really spell 'insectageddon'? According to a study led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and ZSL (Zoological Society of London), we just don't know. According to the study, there are about a million known insect species around the world. Of these, just 12,100 species have been assessed under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Of those that have been assessed, 20 per cent are considered threatened. But given that less than one per cent of the species have been assessed, the study rightfully asks, 'What about the other 99 per cent?' Little monitoring of insect species goes on outside of North America and Europe. In fact, the researchers say there is very little known about insects in parts of Asia and South America, and virtually no data at all for species in Africa. This week, the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme revealed that 2024 was one of the worst years on record for butterflies. It's a similar story across Europe and North America. Dragonflies and bees are also well-studied in these regions. Of the dragonfly family, 16 per cent are thought to be at risk of extinction. Studies have shown a loss of 60 per cent of the bee population since the 1990s. But these are not the only pollinators in our environment, nor are they the only insects that are useful to our existence. 'There is a lot of interest in monitoring charismatic species such as bees and butterflies,' says Dr Rob Cooke, an ecological modeller at UKCEH and joint lead author of the study. 'But few people care about the supposedly unpleasant insects, even though they too provide benefits for us.' Despite the creepy appearance of the humble earwig, they are excellent at pest control - particularly on fruit trees, where they remove aphids without damaging the fruit. The hated cockroach is incredibly important for soil health and decomposition. Yet, they're among the least well-studied of all insects worldwide. Related 'A momentous day for nature': EU approves first-of-its-kind law that could bring back biodiversity 'Red flag': Bug splats on cars reveal a staggering drop in insect numbers over last 20 years Undoubtedly, many insect species are in decline. Loss of habitat, use of pesticides and declining food sources mean it's tough to be an insect in the modern world. But the authors stress that it's essential to increase our understanding of insect populations and how humans affect them, before it's too late. 'We need to find out whether insect declines are widespread and what's causing them,' says Cooke. 'The challenge is like a giant jigsaw puzzle where there are thousands of missing pieces, but we do not have decades to wait to fill these gaps and then act.' The study authors have proposed a new framework for establishing how different drivers impact local species. Through combining multiple data sources, they hope to build up a better picture of the state of global insect health, despite the gaps in the available data. 'With a million described species, it would take too long to figure out what works best for each species,' explains Dr Charlotte Outhwaite of ZSL's Institute of Zoology, joint lead author of the study. 'Instead, we want to find large-scale actions that benefit the most insects. For this, we need to use all the available information we have.' The next step is to begin testing this approach, using a range of research methods to model how different insect species respond to various threats. Extrapolating from their findings will help develop an understanding of the current health of the world's insect population.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
We know next to nothing about 99 per cent of the world's insects: Here's why that's a problem
Despite our outsized impact on the planet, humans are not the dominant species. For every person on Earth, there are approximately 1.4 billion insects. All together, they would weigh 70 times more than the total human population. While insects are by far the most numerous and widespread class in the animal kingdom, woefully little is known about them. Since they're essential to food production, the regularly reported decline in key species is a cause of concern. But does it really spell 'insectageddon'? According to a study led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and ZSL (Zoological Society of London), we just don't know. According to the study, there are about a million known insect species around the world. Of these, just 12,100 species have been assessed under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Of those that have been assessed, 20 per cent are considered threatened. But given that less than one per cent of the species have been assessed, the study rightfully asks, 'What about the other 99 per cent?' Little monitoring of insect species goes on outside of North America and Europe. In fact, the researchers say there is very little known about insects in parts of Asia and South America, and virtually no data at all for species in Africa. This week, the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme revealed that 2024 was one of the worst years on record for butterflies. It's a similar story across Europe and North America. Dragonflies and bees are also well-studied in these regions. Of the dragonfly family, 16 per cent are thought to be at risk of extinction. Studies have shown a loss of 60 per cent of the bee population since the 1990s. But these are not the only pollinators in our environment, nor are they the only insects that are useful to our existence. 'There is a lot of interest in monitoring charismatic species such as bees and butterflies,' says Dr Rob Cooke, an ecological modeller at UKCEH and joint lead author of the study. 'But few people care about the supposedly unpleasant insects, even though they too provide benefits for us.' Despite the creepy appearance of the humble earwig, they are excellent at pest control - particularly on fruit trees, where they remove aphids without damaging the fruit. The hated cockroach is incredibly important for soil health and decomposition. Yet, they're among the least well-studied of all insects worldwide. Related 'A momentous day for nature': EU approves first-of-its-kind law that could bring back biodiversity 'Red flag': Bug splats on cars reveal a staggering drop in insect numbers over last 20 years Undoubtedly, many insect species are in decline. Loss of habitat, use of pesticides and declining food sources mean it's tough to be an insect in the modern world. But the authors stress that it's essential to increase our understanding of insect populations and how humans affect them, before it's too late. 'We need to find out whether insect declines are widespread and what's causing them,' says Cooke. 'The challenge is like a giant jigsaw puzzle where there are thousands of missing pieces, but we do not have decades to wait to fill these gaps and then act.' The study authors have proposed a new framework for establishing how different drivers impact local species. Through combining multiple data sources, they hope to build up a better picture of the state of global insect health, despite the gaps in the available data. 'With a million described species, it would take too long to figure out what works best for each species,' explains Dr Charlotte Outhwaite of ZSL's Institute of Zoology, joint lead author of the study. 'Instead, we want to find large-scale actions that benefit the most insects. For this, we need to use all the available information we have.' The next step is to begin testing this approach, using a range of research methods to model how different insect species respond to various threats. Extrapolating from their findings will help develop an understanding of the current health of the world's insect population.
Euronews
04-04-2025
- Science
- Euronews
We know next to nothing about 99 per cent of the world's insects: Here's why that's a problem
ADVERTISEMENT Despite our outsized impact on the planet, humans are not the dominant species. For every person on Earth, there are approximately 1.4 billion insects. All together, they would weigh 70 times more than the total human population. While insects are by far the most numerous and widespread class in the animal kingdom, woefully little is known about them. Since they're essential to food production , the regularly reported decline in key species is a cause of concern. But does it really spell 'insectageddon'? According to a study led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and ZSL (Zoological Society of London), we just don't know. Just 1 per cent of insect species are well understood According to the study, there are about a million known insect species around the world. Of these, just 12,100 species have been assessed under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . Of those that have been assessed, 20 per cent are considered threatened. But given that less than one per cent of the species have been assessed, the study rightfully asks, 'What about the other 99 per cent?' Little monitoring of insect species goes on outside of North America and Europe. In fact, the researchers say there is very little known about insects in parts of Asia and South America, and virtually no data at all for species in Africa. Butterflies, bees and dragonflies steal the limelight This week, the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme revealed that 2024 was one of the worst years on record for butterflies . It's a similar story across Europe and North America. Dragonflies and bees are also well-studied in these regions. Of the dragonfly family, 16 per cent are thought to be at risk of extinction. Studies have shown a loss of 60 per cent of the bee population since the 1990s. But these are not the only pollinators in our environment, nor are they the only insects that are useful to our existence. 'There is a lot of interest in monitoring charismatic species such as bees and butterflies,' says Dr Rob Cooke, an ecological modeller at UKCEH and joint lead author of the study. 'But few people care about the supposedly unpleasant insects, even though they too provide benefits for us.' Despite the creepy appearance of the humble earwig, they are excellent at pest control - particularly on fruit trees, where they remove aphids without damaging the fruit. The hated cockroach is incredibly important for soil health and decomposition. Yet, they're among the least well-studied of all insects worldwide. Related 'A momentous day for nature': EU approves first-of-its-kind law that could bring back biodiversity 'Red flag': Bug splats on cars reveal a staggering drop in insect numbers over last 20 years How will we know which insect species are under threat? Undoubtedly, many insect species are in decline. Loss of habitat, use of pesticides and declining food sources mean it's tough to be an insect in the modern world. But the authors stress that it's essential to increase our understanding of insect populations and how humans affect them, before it's too late. 'We need to find out whether insect declines are widespread and what's causing them,' says Cooke. 'The challenge is like a giant jigsaw puzzle where there are thousands of missing pieces, but we do not have decades to wait to fill these gaps and then act.' The study authors have proposed a new framework for establishing how different drivers impact local species . Through combining multiple data sources, they hope to build up a better picture of the state of global insect health, despite the gaps in the available data. ADVERTISEMENT 'With a million described species, it would take too long to figure out what works best for each species,' explains Dr Charlotte Outhwaite of ZSL's Institute of Zoology, joint lead author of the study. 'Instead, we want to find large-scale actions that benefit the most insects. For this, we need to use all the available information we have.' The next step is to begin testing this approach, using a range of research methods to model how different insect species respond to various threats. Extrapolating from their findings will help develop an understanding of the current health of the world's insect population.
BBC News
02-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
Half of butterfly species in long-term decline
More than half of UK butterfly species are now in long-term decline, according to a monitoring scheme run by a group of conservation organisations. The UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme said the year 2024 was the worst on record for butterflies in the UK. One organisation is calling on people to not cut their grass for the next six months in order to create more habitat for butterflies and other Small Tortoiseshell, Chalk Hill Blue and Small Copper are three of the butterflies that have suffered a particular decline. The monitoring scheme by the charity Butterfly Conservation, the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) has been running since 1976. Volunteers count butterflies across more than 3,000 monitoring revealed 51 of the UK's 59 butterfly species declined last year compared with 2023, while just six was the second worst year on record for common butterflies that live in gardens, parks and the wider said that butterfly numbers do vary from year to year. Last year's low numbers are partly because of the wet spring and relatively cool summer, which did not provide good conditions for winged insects to feed and the monitoring data also shows that for the first time, more than half of the UK's butterfly species are in long-term decline. The number of Small Tortoiseshell, for example, has gone down 86% since 1976, and the Green-veined White has seen a 28% destruction, use of pesticides and climate change are some of the reasons blamed for the decline. Several species are listed on the red list, which means they are in danger of extinction. These include the Grizzled Skipper, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Chalk Hill said those species required specific habitat to survive, which had been destroyed over the past century.A 'butterfly emergency' was declared after the low results of the citizen science Big Butterfly Count last Fox from Butterfly Conservation said many people since then have been asking what they can do to organisation is calling on people to not cut their grass between April and September, saying this simple act can make a lot of difference to moths, butterflies and other wildlife."By far the best thing we can do to help butterflies is to create more habitat," he said.
