Islands ecosystems are known to have exceptionally high extinction rates, but relatively little is known of the conservation status of their insects. Historical data are available for a very few islands and invertebrate biodiversity assessments are rare. However, there is abundant research documenting the significance of threats facing insect populations on islands. We provide an overview of the diversity of the insects of some island groups and what is known of their threats. The main threats are habitat destruction and degradation due to invasive plant species. Insecticide fogging is also an issue on specific islands. Invasive animals are also a significant threat, especially invasive ant species. The deliberate introduction of predatory and parasitoid insects, viruses, and entomopathogenic fungi is suspect to threaten at least some island insect species. Conservation action for island species has been limited, with some specific projects concentrating mainly on species needing conservation breeding or translocation. We highlight some of the complexities of managing habitats within degraded ecosystems where opportunistic invasives are present, or where endemic insects have adapted to the presence of invasives. We recommend a careful, research-based approach to habitat management for island insect conservation.
Insect conservation on islands
Fattorini, Simone;
2024-01-01
Abstract
Islands ecosystems are known to have exceptionally high extinction rates, but relatively little is known of the conservation status of their insects. Historical data are available for a very few islands and invertebrate biodiversity assessments are rare. However, there is abundant research documenting the significance of threats facing insect populations on islands. We provide an overview of the diversity of the insects of some island groups and what is known of their threats. The main threats are habitat destruction and degradation due to invasive plant species. Insecticide fogging is also an issue on specific islands. Invasive animals are also a significant threat, especially invasive ant species. The deliberate introduction of predatory and parasitoid insects, viruses, and entomopathogenic fungi is suspect to threaten at least some island insect species. Conservation action for island species has been limited, with some specific projects concentrating mainly on species needing conservation breeding or translocation. We highlight some of the complexities of managing habitats within degraded ecosystems where opportunistic invasives are present, or where endemic insects have adapted to the presence of invasives. We recommend a careful, research-based approach to habitat management for island insect conservation.Pubblicazioni consigliate
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