News Crop protection
Light pollution a major cause of insect deaths
Light pollution is a major cause of insect mortality. This is evident from a review of 150 scientific studies on the decline in the insect population. Preventing light pollution can therefore be an effective method to slow down the decline.
There is a greater decline in insects in areas with more pollution from artificial light the researchers† This is partly because the insects are attracted to the light and therefore form perfect prey. One of the other reasons mentioned is that the natural rhythm of the insects is disturbed, which is negative for reproduction, among other things.
About half of all insect species are active at night. Yet it is not only these species that are disturbed by light. Daytime active species are also disturbed in their nighttime rest. According to the researchers, light pollution covers a quarter of the world's land area and therefore has a major impact.
Simple measure
Although light pollution is sometimes overestimated as the cause of the decline in insects, according to the researchers, it is very easy to switch off unnecessary light. "As a result, the decline of insects can be greatly reduced by such a simple measure," according to the researchers in theguardian.com† LED light can also be a solution. This light can be easily adjusted in less disturbing colors of light. Blue-white light resembles daylight, and therefore has the most influence on insects, while green light, for example, is much less harmful.
The researchers propose that there should be a national light reduction target in England. This should be enshrined in law. In addition to light pollution, causes such as a smaller available area for insects, chemical pollution and invasive species are mentioned.
Not just agriculture
While intensive agriculture is often cited as the main cause of insect deaths, this research shows that other factors are also an important reason. The decline in insect populations was reported in another global research underlines: 40% of insect species would be threatened by extinction.
Anne-Jan Doorn
© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.
