Wildlife Welfare

Wild Invertebrate Conservation and Welfare

Invertebrates represent the vast majority of animal biodiversity but receive minimal welfare consideration despite emerging evidence of sentience.

Key Facts

Invertebrates comprise over 95% of all animal species on Earth
Bees, moths, butterflies and beetles show complex learning and navigation behaviour
Evidence for pain in some invertebrate groups is growing though contested
Invertebrate populations have declined dramatically with habitat loss and pesticides
Habitat creation including wildflower meadows and log piles supports invertebrate welfare

Welfare Considerations

While the degree of invertebrate sentience remains scientifically uncertain, the scale of invertebrate population declines represents both a conservation and potential welfare crisis. Habitat protection and pesticide reduction are the most impactful responses.

What You Can Do

Create invertebrate habitat in your garden including wildflower patches and log piles
Avoid pesticide use in gardens and advocate for reduced agricultural pesticide exposure
Support conservation organisations focused on invertebrate habitat and population recovery