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Robust evidence of declines in insect abundance and biodiversity

Data are mounting that document widespread insect losses. A long-term research project now provides the strongest evidence of this so far, and demonstrates the value of standardized monitoring programmes.
  1. William E. Kunin

    1. William E. Kunin is in the School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.

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There are certain times in life — whether in our relationships, personal health or scientific research — when we think that we know something but the evidence is less than conclusive. An accumulation of clues or symptoms might suggest a particular interpretation without being strong enough to clinch the argument. In such situations, it can be a relief to finally get a definitive answer, even if the news is bad. Once we know that a problem definitely exists, we may be able to do something about it. Readers might feel the same way when they read the results reported in Nature by Seibold et al.1, which provide compelling evidence of a major problem — large-scale declines in the numbers and diversity of insects and other jointed invertebrates known as arthropods.

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Nature 574, 641-642 (2019)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-019-03241-9

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