Rapidly Declining Insect Numbers 'Threaten Collapse of Nature' Insect species could die out within the next 100 years. More than 40% of insect species are declining and one-third are endangered, Insect populations are declining by 2.5% per year, a rate eight times faster than mammals, birds and reptiles. Francisco Sánchez-Bayo, University of Sydney, <br />via 'The Guardian' Insect extinction could have ‘catastrophic’ effects on <br />the ecosystem. Birds, lizards and plants pollinated by insects could also become extinct. The primary cause of the rapid decline is intensive agriculture and heavy use of pesticides. Francisco Sánchez-Bayo, via 'The Guardian'
