30.04.2024

The number of flying insects has fallen by nearly 80% in two decades

A new study reports a major drop in the number of insects that have lost their lives in collisions with cars, reports Euronews. The findings clearly show the alarming trend of declining numbers of flying insects. In two decades, it is estimated that their numbers have fallen by nearly 80%.

Based on data from drivers who counted the crushed insects on their license plates, the research found that between 2004 and 2023 there were 78 per cent fewer dead bugs in the UK alone.

How serious are the survey results?

The study was carried out by conservation charity Buglife in collaboration with Kent Wildlife Trust. After the results were revealed, the two organizations called the findings "extremely worrying" and said the severe decline was a "red flag" for the UK's natural world - and one that should not be ignored.

In a statement, they urged people to understand the importance of insects, which pollinate crops, break down waste, recycle nutrients, provide natural pest control and support food chains, as well as providing food for larger animals.

"Without them, life on earth would simply collapse," the two conservation groups said.

Scientists say ecosystem changes are due to a range of causes, both in the UK and around the world. Climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and the use of pesticides are all issues that have led to a significant decline in insect numbers.

“The UK is one of the countries most affected by ongoing climate change. The nature of the country is practically "exhausted" - half of the animal and plant life that once flourished on the Island has already disappeared," say environmentalists.

How does the survey work?

Drivers selected to take part in the scheme were asked to clean up their car's number plate and then make a basic journey, recording the exact route. After arriving at their destination, they were supposed to count the insects crushed on their license plates.

Last year alone, 6637 trips were analyzed. Since 2004, of the four nations of the United Kingdom, England has shown the steepest decline, with an 83 percent reduction. By comparison, Wales saw a drop of 79 percent. Scotland is next with a 76% drop over the same period. Northern Ireland saw a far smaller decline, at just 54 per cent, but the researchers were keen to point out that there was a smaller sample taken there.

"These results are extremely worrying. This is a red flag about the state of nature in the UK that should not be ignored,” Dr Laurence Ball of the Kent Wildlife Trust said in a statement.