Tag Archives: Insect deaths

Once a weed, now rare: Study shows drastic effects of herbicides and human influence

By | August 6, 2025
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Hundreds of hectares of monoculture dominate the landscape in the fields, and wildflowers no longer grow on the paths either. Credits: Pugnalom

A study published in the journal "Nature" in April 2025 confirms the dramatic decline in biodiversity on agricultural land, particularly among arable weeds such as corn cockle (Agrostemma githago), field larkspur (Consolida regalis), and pheasant's-eye (Adonis spp.). The international research team, led by Meelis Pärtel of the University of Tartu, examined over 5.400 sites in 119 regions worldwide, including many fields… Read more »

Osterode am Harz: Another violation of the Federal Nature Conservation Act

By | July 23, 2025
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Credits: Pugnalom

In Osterode am Harz, Göttingen district, Section 39 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) has been violated again: An area of ​​approximately 4.100 square meters between Seesener Straße and the Schachtrupp villa was completely cleared of bushes. Section 39 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act prohibits the severe pruning or felling of hedges, living fences, bushes, and other woody plants between March 1st and September 30th. [ Continue reading »]

“Mowing-free May” initiative – first step towards insect protection?

By | May 27
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Credits: Le Thanh Huyen, pexels

Germans love their lawns. With the start of the growing season, lawnmowers hum practically non-stop: the common rule is that the lawn should be mowed once a week to keep it dense and free of "weeds." That this meticulousness and constant mowing destroys life is something that garden owners hardly seem to care about – and neither are the municipal maintenance departments. The estimated… Read more »

World Bee Day, May 20: Nothing comes from nothing – a Pugnalom COMMENT

By | May 20
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Credits: Pugnalom

For most people, this day is just like any other. And for wild bees, it means: NOTHING. They are dying silently. And they are dying out. It can't be that bad, many of us think. After all, the shelves in supermarkets and discount stores are full, the fruit and vegetables are piled high in appetizing mounds, and… Read more »

Insect deaths – and no end in sight: “Hesitation, conflicts of interest and short-term thinking are the cause”

By | May 9
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Credits: University of Würzburg

PUGNALOM INTERVIEW WITH ECOLOGY MAREIKE KORTMANN Dr. Mareike Kortmann conducts research at the Chair of Conservation Biology and Forest Ecology at Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg. In her current study, she reports on the effects of conventional agriculture on insects: "They are more serious than previously assumed," she says. In your study, you have demonstrated a loss of around 30 percent in evolutionary diversity.… Read more »

Study on insect mortality: Influence of conventional agriculture greater than assumed

By | May 8
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Credits: University of Würzburg

The impact of agriculture on insect diversity is more severe than previously thought. This is shown by a study from Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg using a new methodology. It has long been known that agriculture contributes to the decline in insect biodiversity. The loss of forage crops, frequent mowing, and the use of pesticides deprive many species of their habitat. A research team from Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg (JMU)… Read more »

Butterfly extinction: Research team urges protected areas in valleys

By | April 15, 2025
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Dead Little Fox. Credits: skittlesxjunkie.blogspot.com

A recent study published in the journal "Biological Conservation" on the endangerment of butterflies in the Alpine region impressively demonstrates that the loss of biodiversity is progressing dramatically, particularly in low-lying, intensively used landscapes. The participating scientists from the University of Salzburg, the Haus der Natur Salzburg (House of Nature Salzburg), and the Senckenberg Society for Natural Research strongly advocate for the establishment of… Read more »

Research lacks knowledge about 99 percent of all insect species

By | April 7, 2025
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Credits: Egor Kamelev, pexels

Insects are the predominant form of animal life on our planet, providing sustenance to humans and wildlife through their pollination, food, and recycling services. Despite concerns about declining insect populations, little is known about the state of 99 percent of the world's insect species. According to a study led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH)... Read more »

Sustainable circular economy: Artificial intelligence should help expand insect breeding

By | April 3, 2025
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Credits: August-Wilhelm Scheer Institute

Global population growth, resource consumption, and environmental pollution are key challenges for food production. At the same time, the decline in pollinators threatens biodiversity and harvests. Insects offer a solution: they convert organic waste into high-quality biomass and serve as an alternative protein source. They are also essential for ecological balance. Harnessing their potential requires innovative technologies. The Center for Digital… Read more »

Tree stunts in town and country are becoming the norm

By | March 11, 2025
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Ballenstedt, Saxony-Anhalt

These days, you encounter them practically everywhere: the stunted trees. Whatever the reason for the mutilation – whether lack of expertise, dendrophobia, boredom, or a lucrative commission – the consequences for the living tree and its inhabitants are catastrophic. A tree consists of a finely tuned system between roots, trunk, and crown. By topping… Read more »