Currently, there is approximately 350 species of insects that are endangered and many more that are threatened. You may question why bother saving bugs? But realistically just one species going extinct can drastically change the ecosystem as we know it. For example, the loss of one plants can have a knock-on effect and take up to 30 other species with it. Imagine losing 350 species and the repercussions that would follow. As well as the ecological benefits, there are also many others: the medicinal, agricultural and bequest values are all extremely important as well!
As of 2017, the national lottery has launched extra funding to preserve these unique species to prevent them following in the footsteps of the dodo and mammoth. £4.6m is being used to save species such as the Chequered Skipper Butterfly and Royal Splinter Crane fly. 20 endangered species are being specifically targeted for this project and a further 200 species are being helped additionally. The money will also be used to endeavour to train and teach thousands of volunteers and build safe habitats for these species.
There is in fact many things people can do to minimize the risk of putting these organisms at further risk. There are the obvious ones such as volunteering and donating. However, there are many other easy, simple things we can do. To start with: try to minimize the use of herbicides and pesticides because while they can make your gardens look nice, they are also major pollutants that affects all wildlife. You can also recycle and buy sustainable materials (and of course don’t litter!). Lastly, educate yourself on endangered species that may live in your local area as there are so many species you may not have even heard of, that are endangered!
Cara Dixon, Thamesview
