New Framework Aims to Fill Gaps in Tropical Insect Conservation
Researchers propose combining scientific studies, museum collections, local knowledge, citizen science, and social media to better protect tropical insects, which comprise over 80% of insect species. The current conservation data is biased toward temperate regions, leaving tropical biodiversity understudied. The new strategy aims to address this imbalance.
The study highlights a stark data imbalance, noting that nearly a quarter of global insect distribution records originate from the UK alone, despite temperate zones holding only a fifth of insect diversity. With an estimated 14 to 30 million insect species, most remain formally undocumented, even as these creatures pollinate over 80% of wild plants and feed 60% of bird species.
To counter this, the framework identifies four key obstacles—limited research visibility, data gaps, weak infrastructure, and insufficient action. It advocates integrating non-English regional studies, museum archives, local expertise, citizen observations, and social media posts, while simultaneously strengthening regional scientific capacity to ensure findings reach decision-makers.
This framework could reshape conservation priorities by shifting attention to tropical regions where most insect life exists. If adopted, it may enable policymakers and local communities to better safeguard pollination services and food webs, directly benefiting agricultural productivity and food security in developing nations. However, success depends on equitable collaboration, as relying on local knowledge and citizen science could empower regional scientists while reducing the dominance of temperate-based research institutions.