A new analysis has found that two million insect species are at risk of extinction; this figure is double previous UN estimates. writes about this Plos One.
Lead researcher Axel Hochkirch, from the National Museum of Natural History in Luxembourg, said: “Our study really highlights that insects are just as threatened as other species. And as this is the most species-rich group of animals on our planet, this is an issue that really needs to be addressed.”
Understanding what is happening to global insect populations has been challenging due to a lack of data, but 97% of animals on Earth are invertebrates. About 90% of this group are insects. They provide vital ecosystem services: pollination of crops, recycling nutrients into the soil, and decomposing waste. “Without insects, our planet cannot survive,” Hochkirch said.
The team examined all European species listed in the Red Book. It is considered the most comprehensive source of information about threatened species. They found that 24% of invertebrate species in Europe are at risk of extinction.
Crops that provide many of our vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, depend on pollinators and organisms in the soil to maintain their fertility. An estimated 75% of food crops depend on pollinators to some degree, and 95% of food comes directly or indirectly from soil, for which invertebrates are also responsible.
Pollinators help provide clean water because healthy plant ecosystems keep waterways clean. Thriving through insect pollination, mangroves filter pollutants, absorb wastewater, and promote sediment formation. Global mangrove cover has decreased by approximately 35% since the late 1990s.
Drought also kills insects living in the soil. Heat stress and its indirect effects are causing insect populations to decline and soil biodiversity to decline, where more than half of all species live.
Previously in a German village internet disappeared Because of the ant orgy.
Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.