Little Things Matter
Even more than bigger things.
A few days ago I saw this one video of Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni. A Bulgarian journalist asked her, whether she notices ants while walking and whether she steps on them.
She got a bit nervous while answering. However, she ensured that she doesn’t step on them if she notices, otherwise don’t know.
While this question can be called bizarre, it highlights on a deeper insight — how arrogant we warm blooded humans are!
Just because, insects or invertebrates are small, cold-blooded and do not have complex systems like ours, we do not value them. Moreover, we consider them nuisance and treat them mercilessly.
There are reasons for this unkind behavior of mankind toward the creatures which actually constitute more than 75 per cent of world’s population.
Overemphasis of Negative Aspects
Insects are often associated with dirty and unhygienic environments. They carry diseases for other animals and hence, they are mostly associated with harm and diseases
However, less than five per cent of estimated 30 million species of insects pose harm to humans and other animals. But the inconvenience caused by a few species overshadows the benefits of the others.
They are Not Directly Helpful to Us
We humans often value other organisms based on their direct utility to us. Therefore, many activities by insects, which happen out of sight goes overlooked.
Furthermore, they do not provide obvious and immediate benefits so, their long term benefits often conflicts with short term human interests. Also, most of them are not aesthetically appealing to human senses and thus, are not valued.
Misunderstanding and Fear
Myths and misinformation further fuels the fear and annoyance caused by insects. This makes our behaviour towards them even more miserable.
With rapid urbanization and consequent detachment from nature, misinformations are increasing and awareness is decreasing. Hence, their intrusion in our man-made environment makes them more annoying.
However, there are numerous benefits they provide which are essential for survival of human beings and many other species existing around the globe.
They are Major Pollinators
About 75 per cent of flowering plants and 35 percent of food crops across the world depends on pollinating insects.
They are Key Players in Nutrient Cycling, Soil and Waste Management
Insects break down organic waste and recycle them into soil, enriching them with nutrients. Some burrowing insects even help in aerating soil.
They are Key Members of food webs
They are direct food sources for some other animals and insects and their extiction can make major imbalances in nature. Furthermore, some insects that feed on other insects are helpful pest controllers.
They are helpful in other sustainable practices
Insects maintain soil quality, water quality, desperse seeds, maintain carbon cycle and provide many more other valuable benefits to our environment.
Anyway, whether we are aware or not of how beneficial these creatures are, we humans have created various problems for them, posing serious threats to their survival.
Rapid deforestation and urbanisation have lead to their habitat loss and reduced areas for them to thrive. And, due to rapid industrialisation, climate change and pollution have increased, posing serious issues for their survival. Mass killing by excessive use of chemicals and pesticides is another reason. Also, their excessive exploitation for food, medicines and other commercial purposes have threatened species like silkworms, crickets and others.
What we do not understand is, as E. O. Wilson says in his Little Things That Run The World, that they don’t need us for their survival but we need them. If they were to disappear, then human species alongwith several others will disappear too.
These creatures are millions of years older than us. We need to understand that these insects are more important for nature than we humans are. They are needed for other species’ survival while we humans have posed threat to other’s survival.
Inspite of the problems we have created there’s not enough conservation efforts for them compared to larger animals and birds. Not being aware about them and their importance, we often consider them invaluable, useless and nuisance. All this leads us to our cruel and sadistic behaviour towards them.
We must consider their value and understand that every life matters, however small. While our governments and authorities should raise awareness and start conservation efforts for them, like they do for other big creatures, individual efforts are needed too. Adopt sustainable practices and look for sustainable alternavtives.
- Plant native flowers and wildplants.
- Reduce pesticide use and look for natural alternatives.
- Limit light pollution by turning off outdoor lights when not in need.
- Take individual steps for reducing plastic waste.
- Handle insects gently when they intrude in your space, instead of killing them.
- Pay attention and avoid stepping on them or disturbing them.
- Also, avoid fun killing.
Making these little efforts, we can make an impact together.
Respect every creature irrespective of their size. Also, think twice next time before kicking over an anthill or putting water into it.
If you liked this article, you will like this video by famous youtuber TheOdd1sOut, where he is raising awareness about insects (to be specific about spiders and bees) and their importance in fun and engaging manner. Check it out.
