Training Day Recap: Understanding the Vital Role of Invertebrates
At MKA Ecology, we are committed to deepening our ecological expertise to better support conservation efforts and sustainable development. Recently, our team had the opportunity to enhance our knowledge through a training day with invertebrate specialist Andy Jukes. This session focused on the critical role invertebrates play within ecosystems and how to effectively consider them in site assessments.
The Importance of Invertebrates
Invertebrates are the unsung heroes of our ecosystems, forming the foundation of life on Earth. They account for 97% of all animal species and are essential for pollination, decomposition, and nutrient recycling. As Sir David Attenborough famously said, "If we and the rest of the back-boned animals were to disappear overnight, the rest of the world would get on pretty well. But if the invertebrates were to disappear, the world's ecosystems would collapse."
The UK is home to more than 40,000 invertebrate species, including over 2,500 species of moths, fewer than 60 species of butterflies, 4,000 beetles, 7,000 bees, wasps, ants, and sawflies, and around 150 land snails and slugs. However, many of these species are under threat due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and climate change.
Why Are Invertebrates Under Threat?
– Habitat loss due to urbanisation and land-use changes.
– Fragmentation and homogenisation of landscapes, reducing habitat diversity.
– The impact of climate change, with species distributions shifting—such as the recent arrival of the praying mantis in southern England!
High-quality invertebrate habitats often feature:
– Diverse landscapes, such as brownfields, ancient woodlands, lowland heaths, chalk downlands, fens, marshes, and unimproved pasture.
Considerations for Development Surveys
Recognising the value of heterogenous habitats is crucial in ecological site assessments. Areas such as arable weed margins, vehicle-disturbed zones, and hay meadows often support rich invertebrate assemblages. However, improved management practices are needed to enhance their conservation value.
By integrating invertebrate conservation into our ecological assessments and planning considerations, we can contribute to broader biodiversity conservation efforts. Protecting invertebrates means supporting entire ecosystems, benefiting not just insects but also birds, bats, and other wildlife that rely on them.
