How Rising Temperatures Disrupt Insect Ecosystems

She also explains why we need years of data to detect real trends: insect populations fluctuate wildly by day or season.

Commenting on the same, Dr Shashank PR notes that Delhi’s insect monitoring is hindered by short funding cycles, few experts, and inconsistent methods. “We need standard protocols, sustained investment, and global collaboration,” he says.

“Long-term ecological monitoring (LTEM) is vital to track species responses to climate change and habitat loss. Without continuous data, the decline of pollinators risks agricultural sustainability and informs climate-resilient conservation policies,” he further adds.

Dr Khudsar emphasised that the first step toward insect conservation is simple yet powerful: we must start by “respecting these tiny creatures.”

While Apoorva stresses that sustainable conservation starts with awareness and policy intervention, suggesting a shift in how urban spaces treat bees.

Instead of calling pest control when colonies settle in balconies, he advocates for training professionals to relocate them. He also calls for incentives for farmers to adopt pollinator-friendly practices.

Dr Shashank highlights the importance of citizen science and community involvement in insect monitoring, citing projects like the Great Pollinator Project and Butterfly Monitoring Schemes.

He notes that reducing air pollution, especially particulate matter, is crucial for protecting pollinators. Platforms like iNaturalist, Moths of India and  ifound butterflies enable people to document insect sightings, aiding conservation efforts.

In 2024, Sharma & Ramamurthy’s paper emphasises the discrepancies in the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act’s insect listings, urging updates to reflect current species status. Out of 493 species listed, 9 Lepidoptera species are not found in India, and 2 are recognised agricultural pests.

Insects, vital to Delhi’s ecosystems, now signal an ecological emergency. The question remains: will we act before it’s too late?

(The reporter is a Delhi-based multimedia journalist covering politics, environment, and culture.)

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