Insect Decline and Wildlife Welfare

The dramatic decline in insect abundance has profound welfare implications for insectivorous wildlife species that depend on insects for nutrition.

Key Facts

Insect abundance has declined by approximately 75% in protected areas over 27 years in one landmark study
Insectivorous birds including swifts, swallows, and house martins have declined significantly
Bat populations dependent on flying insects have declined in parallel with insect abundance
Agricultural intensification and pesticide use are primary drivers of insect decline
Restored wildflower habitats and reduced pesticide use can increase insect abundance significantly

Welfare Considerations

Insect decline creates cascading welfare harm through food web disruption. Swallows failing to raise chicks because there are insufficient aerial insects, bats unable to reach their energetic requirements, and hedgehogs starving through reduced invertebrate availability all represent welfare harms driven by insect loss. Addressing insect decline through habitat restoration and pesticide reduction simultaneously benefits insects themselves and the wildlife dependent on them.

What You Can Do

Plant pollinator-friendly flowering plants including native wildflowers
Reduce or eliminate pesticide use in gardens to protect insect populations
Support agri-environment schemes that fund wildflower habitats in agricultural landscapes
Advocate for stricter pesticide regulation to protect insect populations and wildlife welfare