Fun Facts with Angus Burns: An insects critical role in our environment
Nowadays it seems this is not the case and, in many instances, one can comfortably embark on a road trip without even cleaning it once.
A number of scientists have raised the alarm about significant declines in insect (and other invertebrate) populations around the globe.
It is time for us to start acting to prevent mass extinctions of these creatures.
Not everyone appreciates insects or the critically important role they play in our environment: from pollination and pest control to providing food for other species and nutrient cycling – the list is pretty extensive. It is safe to say that without insects we would be unable to survive.
They are part of the complex web of life that we are all part of, an intricate system of interconnected relationships, niche roles and functions that keep our ecological systems functioning and ensures that life persists.
Some of us will remember that over 20 years ago a road trip required regular stops to clean the car windshield of collisions with the numerous insects that unfortunately met their demise against said windshield.
Nowadays it seems this is not the case and, in many instances, one can comfortably embark on a road trip without even cleaning it once.
Thankfully in South Africa we are fortunate to have some areas where insect populations are still prolific but many of my friends and colleagues have begun to notice the decline in numbers where they live and work.
So what happened? Where did all the insects go?
The answer is sadly quite simple:
The destruction of habitats and overuse of pesticides seem to be the primary cause.
How can we address this? Here are a few things you can do:
- Stop using pesticides so extensively – rather support natural repellents, avoid harsh toxins and allow (where possible) nature to keep pests under control
- Encourage insects into your garden/neighbourhood by providing refugia for them – this can be done by planting lots of flowers and creating habitats for them to live in (such as an insect “hotel” or simply planting lots of indigenous species)
- Educate yourself and your children about the role insects play in our environment
- Promote/support the establishment of more protected areas where you live and work – they can be key to providing unique habitats for some species
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