Using field-based entomological research to promote awareness about forest ecosystem conservation

Abstract

Interactions between plants, insect herbivores and associated predators represent the majority of terrestrial biodiversity. Insects are vital food sources for many other organisms and provide important ecosystem functions and services including pollination, waste removal and biological control. We propose a complete and reproducible education programme to guide students to understand the importance of managing and conserving forest ecosystems in their region through the study of insect ecology and natural history. Our programme involved lectures, workshops and field surveys of insects with a group of 60 high school students in Eastern Africa (Ethiopia). It addresses the key stages of an entomological research project including: 1) general entomological knowledge and understanding the role of insects in terrestrial diversity and in ecosystem functioning and services; (2) the proposal of simple research questions including hypothesis development and evaluation using scientific literature, 3) fieldwork using different types of light traps; 4) sorting and identification of the insect orders using simple diagnostic keys and illustrated plates; 5) analysing and interpreting the results and 6) demonstrating findings to peers and a public audience. Identifying insects, exploring their natural history and understanding their functions in the field bring the students towards a better understanding and awareness of the importance of forest ecosystem conservation.

Dispersal patterns of an introduced wild bee, Megachile sculpturalis Smith, 1853 (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) in European alpine countries

“…Those benefits contribute to the popularity of citizen science projects (CSP) reflected by countless research topics published within the last years [5][6][7]. Although insects in general potentially evoke negative perceptions in humans [8,9], pollinators like bumble bees and butterflies are attractive groups for CSP [10][11][12][13][14][15]. Most CSP focus on creating data sets of species distribution records [3], which constitute the baseline of abundance studies [16][17][18][19].…”

Toward a world that values insects

“…However, bee and butterfly species represent only <4% of the insect species described worldwide (1). Many people have negative perceptions of insects in general and do not perceive them as separate species (14). Further, the roles of insects in ecosystem services can be difficult to comprehend (except for pollinators), as are the consequences of insect species loss and overall attrition of biodiversity.…”

“…Although public interest in insects varies from one country to another, biological education about the conservation of insects and their natural habitats is urgently needed at all levels of society, starting with field education programs (14). The extraordinary natural history of insects offers many opportunities in biological education and citizen science (14). Field surveys and experiments help the public to appreciate the importance of insects in terrestrial bio-diversity (14).…”

“…The extraordinary natural history of insects offers many opportunities in biological education and citizen science (14). Field surveys and experiments help the public to appreciate the importance of insects in terrestrial bio-diversity (14). Such activities may promote greater empathy and curiosity toward insects and their habitats.…”

Undergraduate entomology field excursions are a valuable source of biodiversity data: a case for spider (Araneae) bycatches in ecological studies

“…ecology, systematics, physiology and pest management. Considering the importance of the Global Biodiversity Crisis, an understanding of the planet's biodiversity and the importance of conserving species richness is critical in the education process (Dikmenli 2010;Lamarre et al 2018). This creates an understanding of natural systems and the organisms occupying them.…”