Insect Declines

Debate continues over the extent of insect declines and losses of species, but with general acceptance that these are real, substantial, and a major concern for ecological function of the natural world. Recent claims of very severe and continuing losses aroused much attention and concern, but the evidence is sometimes difficult to evaluate, with long-term trends from ‘popular’ insects (notably some Lepidoptera and Coleoptera) the most informative. Much uncertainty persists, and a central task in promoting insect conservation is to convey that uncertainty and accompanying concern to conservation managers. Lack of proven detail does not equate to lack of significance, and conservation must proceed in the absence of exact details of local or more widespread declines, with recognition that those declines to a large extent reflect human activities.