[Pollinator] DECLINES IN INSECT ABUNDANCE AND DIVERSITY: WE KNOW ENOUGH TO ACT NOW

[Jenni Denekas]

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *

*Media Contacts:*

Matthew Forister, McMinn Professor of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno;
(775) 784-6770, forister at gmail.com.

Scott Hoffman Black, Executive Director, The Xerces Society for
invertebrate Conservation; (503) 449-3792, scott.black at xerces.org.

Emma Pelton, Conservation Biologist, The Xerces Society for Invertebrate
Conservation; (503) 232-6639 ext. 102, emma.pelton at xerces.org.


*DECLINES IN INSECT ABUNDANCE AND DIVERSITY: WE KNOW ENOUGH TO ACT NOW*
*New paper details why we need to act to protect insects*

PORTLAND, Ore.; June 24, 2019—On Saturday, June 22, the journal
Conservation Science and Practice published a paper that makes the case for
greater action to curb the global decline in insects. Insects are vital to
life as we know it on this planet. The vast majority of bats, birds, and
freshwater fish depend on insects, and humans depend on insect pollination
for nutritious fruits and vegetables. Insects provide services of over $57
billion to the US economy. Although we need more study to understand the
overall scope and scale of the declines, the research that has been done
provides compelling evidence of declines in insect abundance, diversity and
biomass.

“There is no doubt that a great many insect populations and species are
suffering and are in some form of decline,” said Matt Forister, McMinn
Professor of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno. “Although there is a need
for greater investment in basic science and further analyses of existing
data, our belief is that the severity of reported insect declines is
sufficient to warrant immediate action.”

In addition to the data supporting the decline of insect populations,
patterns are emerging that point to the primary drivers of insect declines.
The most influential factors are habitat loss and degradation, pesticides,
and climate change, although other factors include disease, invasive
species, and light pollution.

“There are many factors leading to the decline in insects,” said Emma
Pelton, endangered species conservation biologist and western monarch lead
for the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. “Even though there
are still unknowns, taking action to restore, enhance, and protect habitat
and curbing pesticides has been shown to help insect populations.”

The paper not only presents the problem, but also provides examples of
success stories in insect conservation, from both terrestrial and aquatic
environments spanning three continents. The authors also propose actions
that can be taken to address insect declines, which can be implemented by
various societal sectors including nations, states, provinces and cities,
working lands, natural areas, and homes and gardens.

“If we hope to stem the losses of insect diversity and the services they
provide, society must take steps at all levels to protect, restore and
enhance habitat for insects across landscapes—from wildlands to farmland to
urban cores,” said Scott Hoffman Black, executive director of the Xerces
Society. “But there is hope because everyone can make a difference. Farmers
can add additional habitat and curb pesticide use, governments can make
climate adaptation a goal, and even a backyard or apartment balcony can be
an important stopover for the smallest of animals upon which we all depend.”

###


*READ THE ARTICLE:* https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/csp2.80


*About the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation*

The Xerces Society is an international nonprofit organization that protects
the natural world by conserving invertebrates and their habitat.
Established in 1971, the Society is a trusted source for science-based
information and advice and plays a leading role in promoting the
conservation of pollinators and many other invertebrates. We collaborate
with people and institutions at all levels, and our work to protect bees,
butterflies, and other pollinators encompasses all landscapes. Our team
draws together experts from the fields of habitat restoration, entomology,
plant ecology, education, farming, and conservation biology with a single
passion: Protecting the life that sustains us.

To learn more about our work, please visit www.xerces.org or follow
@xercessociety on Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/xercessociety>, Facebook
<http://facebook.com/xercessociety>, and Instagram
<http://instagram.com/xercessociety>.

*About the University of Nevada, Reno*

Nevada’s land-grant university founded in 1874, the University of Nevada,
Reno ranks in the top tier of best national universities by U.S. News and
World Report and is steadily growing in enrollment, excellence, and
reputation. The University serves more than 21,000 students. Part of the
Nevada System of Higher Education, the University is home to the University
of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada Cooperative
Extension, and Wolf Pack Athletics. Through a commitment to world-improving
research, student success, and outreach benefiting the communities and
businesses of Nevada, the University has impact across the state and around
the world. For more information, visit www.unr.edu.

-- 

*Jenni Denekas*

Web and Communications Coordinator

jenni.denekas at xerces.org

(503) 232-6639 x105

*pronouns: she/her/hers*


Protecting the Life That Sustains Us



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