BioScience
, emphasizes that insect decline is not a simple issue with a single cause. Researchers created a network of 3,000 possible links, considering everything from beekeeping to urban sprawl, to understand the scientific community’s perspective on the problem. This analysis identified agricultural intensification as the most frequently cited driver, but also revealed the synergistic nature of the issue. Climate change, for instance, acts as an umbrella driver encompassing extreme precipitation, fire, and temperature, all of which impact other factors.
Eliza Grames, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, points out critical gaps in current research. “None of the papers mentioned natural disasters,” she notes, highlighting the oversight of threats like human intrusions, war, and railroads, all of which are known to impact biodiversity. The study also reveals a bias towards “charismatic” insects like bees and butterflies, potentially overlooking conservation actions that could benefit a wider range of insect species.
Christopher Halsch, the lead author, emphasizes that “conservation actions overly biased towards certain insects or certain stressors will likely be negative for many other insects.” A holistic, multi-pronged approach is required, focusing not only on individual drivers but also on addressing interconnected systems. This means moving beyond a narrow focus on pollinators to ensure the survival of the vast majority of insect biodiversity.