People have a strange love-hate relationship with insects.
Many of us can remember a time when flies, mosquitos, and midges were readily seen on a warm summer evening and our windshields were covered with splattered bugs.
Now it seems that those days are behind us. Oh, the joy of not being bitten!
In recent years, Canada has witnessed alarming declines in insect populations, a trend echoed globally. This decline poses significant ecological threats, particularly to aerial insectivores- birds like swallows, swifts, flycatchers and nightjars, that rely on insects as prey.
These birds play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling insect populations, yet their reliance on insects makes them susceptible to fluctuations in insect availability. In Canada, aerial insectivores have declined by 43 per cent since the 1970’s, as shown in the recent State of Canada’s Birds report by Birds Canada.
What unites all aerial insectivores is their reliance on insects, and their population declines because of the drop in insect numbers.
Habitat degradation, largely due to urbanization and agricultural expansion, disrupts the ecosystems that support diverse insect populations. Wetlands, forests, and grasslands, essential habitats for countless insects, are increasingly fragmented, reducing the availability of food for birds. Climate change further exacerbates these issues, as shifting temperatures and weather patterns alter the availability of insects.
Fortunately, efforts to combat these declines are gaining momentum.
Initiatives aimed at restoring habitats, reducing pesticide use, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices are vital.
Protecting insects is essential not only for the survival of aerial insectivores but for the overall health of Canada’s ecosystems. By safeguarding insect populations, Canada can ensure the survival of its aerial insectivores and maintain the intricate web of life that sustains its natural environment.
Editor’s note: Nature Notes is a monthly column produced by the Delta Naturalists and their community partners. For more information on monthly meetings and more see: www.deltanaturalists.org and www.facebook.com/DeltaNats.
