Invertebrates

Wild Insect Decline and Welfare

Insect populations have declined dramatically over recent decades with profound consequences for ecosystems and individual insect welfare.

Key Facts

Flying insect biomass has declined by 75% in protected areas over 27 years
Pesticides, habitat loss, and light pollution are primary drivers
Insects are essential for pollination, decomposition, and food webs
Many insect species show behavioral complexity suggesting welfare significance
Insect welfare remains under-researched relative to vertebrate welfare

Welfare Considerations

Insect decline affects trillions of individuals with uncertain but potentially significant welfare implications. Beyond individual welfare, declining insect populations cause cascading welfare impacts on all dependent species. Habitat restoration, pesticide reduction, and light pollution mitigation address the drivers of decline at landscape scale.

What You Can Do

Plant native wildflowers and maintain insect-friendly gardens
Eliminate pesticide use and advocate for pesticide reform
Reduce artificial light pollution near natural areas
Support insect conservation research and monitoring
Engage with insect welfare as an emerging moral concern