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This research aims to quantify the decline in flying insect biomass over 27 years in protected areas and identify possible causes.

October 18, 2017PLoS ONEOpen Access

More than 75 percent decline over 27 years in total flying insect biomass in protected areas

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Randomized trial shows a 76% decline in insect biomass in protected areas, indicating potential ecological consequences.

This research aims to quantify the decline in flying insect biomass over 27 years in protected areas and identify possible causes.
Used standardized protocols to measure total insect biomass with Malaise traps over 27 years in 63 nature protection areas in Germany.
Analyzed 96 unique location-year combinations to assess local insect populations and seasonal trends.
Estimated a 76% seasonal decline in total flying insect biomass over the 27-year study period.
Mid-summer insect biomass showed an observed decline of 82%.
The decline in biomass occurred across all habitat types, with changes in weather and land use not accounting for the overall decline.

Hallmann et al. (2017) studied this question.

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