In a new study published in Science, researchers revealed a jarring statistic: only 12,100 out of more than one million known insect species have been assessed by conservation scientists. That’s just over 1%—a figure that highlights how little we know about the planet’s most abundant animals, even as their populations are plummeting.
Insects: Nature’s Hidden Workforce
Insects are ecological powerhouses. They pollinate more than 75% of crops, break down waste, regulate pest populations, and form the base of countless food chains. Without them, ecosystems—and economies—would collapse.
Yet, out of the 12,100 species assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), nearly 20% are already considered threatened. For context, that’s like losing every fifth cog in a machine and hoping it still runs smoothly.
“This is not just about saving butterflies,” said lead researcher Dr. Anya Delmont. “It’s about food security, climate resilience, and the health of entire ecosystems.”
A Global Blind Spot
Much of the existing research is limited to Europe and North America—where bees, butterflies, and dragonflies have been relatively well studied. But in biodiversity-rich regions like Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia, insect knowledge is sparse to nonexistent.
“We’re flying blind in the most critical areas,” says Dr. Delmont. “Tropical regions host the majority of insect species, but they’re also where deforestation, climate stress, and pesticide use are most rampant.”
Without data, conservation strategies remain reactive—and often too late.
What’s Driving the Decline?
Scientists cite a combination of factors behind the insect crisis:
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Habitat Loss: Urbanization and deforestation continue to erase critical habitats.
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Pesticides & Pollution: Overuse of agrochemicals disrupts reproduction and food availability.
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Climate Change: Shifting temperatures and weather patterns alter insect life cycles.
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Invasive Species: Non-native insects and plants destabilize native populations.
Why This Matters for the Economy
Beyond their ecological role, insects have an economic footprint.
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Pollination services are valued at over $500 billion annually.
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Natural pest control reduces reliance on synthetic pesticides, saving billions more.
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Biodiversity tourism, especially in tropical nations, depends on healthy ecosystems—including insects.
If insect populations collapse, the ripple effects could destabilize agriculture, threaten food prices, and increase global hunger risks.
What Needs to Be Done?
The study calls for a global insect monitoring network, integrating local scientists, AI-driven mapping, and public reporting tools.
It also urges:
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Increased funding for taxonomists and ecologists.
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Conservation of insect-rich habitats, not just large mammals.
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Stronger pesticide regulation, especially in tropical nations.
The authors propose a new framework they call “The Insect Imperative”—a global effort to classify, protect, and restore insect biodiversity by 2035.
Bottom Line
We may only know 1% of insect species, but we rely on 100% of them. The insect crisis is a warning shot—not just for nature, but for humanity. Protecting the planet’s smallest creatures may be the key to saving the largest systems.
