Charity fears flying insect populations have fallen drastically in Scotland
It comes after a report which investigated the numbers of insects found splatted on cars after driving has decreased by 76% since 2004.
Conservation charity Buglife fear flying insect populations may have fallen drastically in Scotland.
It comes after a report which investigated the numbers of insects found splatted on cars after driving has decreased by 76% since 2004.
Whilst it's not clear if this number correlates to insect populations directly, the charity say the data is alarming.
Craig Macadam, Conservation Director at Buglife said: "The latest Bugs Matter data suggests that the abundance of flying insects in our countryside has dramatically fallen.”
Car bug splats reduced by 76%
The report is based on data collected by drivers who report the number of insects they find splatted on their number plates after a journey through the Bugs Matter app.
Authors of the report warn further long-term monitoring is needed to reliably estimate trends and have stressed the current pace of decline is unsustainable.
During 2023 Scottish citizen scientists recorded a total of 308 journeys, covering nearly 9000 miles.
The number of insect splats between 2022 and 2023 alone decreasing by a staggering 62%.
Running every year since 2004, the data over the twenty-year period suggests a troubling trend for Scotland’s ecosystem.
The new data shows decrease in insect splat rates across all regions of the UK, with Scotland showing a 76% drop, while Northern Ireland, with limited data, showed a 54% decline between 2021 and 2023.
The sharpest fall was recorded in England, with a 83% decline since 2004.
Wales is close behind with a a 79% decrease over the same period.
"Extremely concerning"
Dr. Lawrence Ball of Kent Wildlife Trust stated: "These results are extremely concerning, particularly if insect splats serve as an accurate measure of insect populations. This is a red flag for the state of nature in the UK that shouldn't be ignored.
The charity highlighted bugs perform a crucial role in the natural systems and cycles of the planet.
Craig Macadam of Buglife added: “The consequences are potentially far-reaching, not only impacting the health of the natural world, but affecting so many of the free services that nature provides for us.
“The Bugs Matter findings are similar to other studies which have documented declines in insect abundance from around the world. Human activities continue to have a huge impact on nature – habitat loss and damage, pesticide use, pollution, and climate change all contribute to the decline in insects. Society must heed the warning signs of ecological collapse and take urgent action to restore nature”.
Organisers and conservationists are urging more people to take part in the Bugs Matter survey through the app when it opens on Wednesday 1 May.
They hope participation will provide crucial data to better understand insect population patterns.
They have also called for urgent action to address drivers of insect declines like habitat loss, unsustainable agricultural practices, and environmental pollutants.