Can citizen scientists prevent the looming extinction of the monarch butterfly?
In short: Monarch butterflies are declining at an alarming rate, a trend that could eventually threaten human life. While entomologists struggle to quantify these shifts due to the volatile nature of insect populations, a new wave of grassroots volunteers is stepping in to help measure and rescue these vital species.
The decline of insect species is a global concern, as these creatures prop up life on Earth and constitute approximately 80% of all animal life. For species like the monarch butterfly, the threat of extinction is looming, potentially creating a ripple effect that puts human life at risk. However, the data surrounding these declines is complex; while many reports detail staggering losses, some studies suggest that insect losses may be exaggerated.
One reason for this scientific difficulty is the inherent biology of insects. As computational ecologist Christie Bahlai of Kent State University notes, insects are prone to 'boom and bust' cycles. This volatility makes it difficult to use standard metrics, as a simple percentage decline might imply a stable population when, in reality, the numbers are fluctuating wildly.
To combat these challenges, researchers are turning to citizen scientists—grassroots volunteers who assist in measuring and rescuing dwindling populations. This method of community-led research has a historical precedent, with figures like Charles Darwin also serving as citizen scientists. By gathering data on the ground, these volunteers provide the essential metrics needed to inform solutions that might slow or reverse these ecological losses.
The stakes extend beyond individual species. By turning waste into soil nutrients, dung beetles offer vital, overlooked assistance that benefits the U.S. the American cattle sector by roughly $380 million every year. As the National Academy of Sciences prepares to launch a study on insect populations, the work of citizen scientists remains a crucial tool in understanding our changing world.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How you can help save the monarch butterfly -- and the planet | Mary Ellen Hannibal
- Also: How scientists are trying to save the insects that make life possible
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