Following the critical role insects play in the foundation of ecosystems, and important food source for birds and wildlife, conservationists have called for the planting of native trees to regulate habitat change and prevent their decline.
A Senior Lecturer, Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Dr Soladoye Iwajomo, who was a guest speaker at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) celebration themed: ‘The Importance of Insects for Migratory Birds,’ said the global decline in insects and bird species affects human well-being.
Iwajomo said there are about 10,000 different species of birds globally and Nigeria has about 900 different species of birds, while close to 5,000 are migratory globally.
The WMBD is celebrated twice yearly to raise to the fore the challenging issues affecting migratory birds and their inhabitants as birds move in different seasons from one continent to another. Birds feed on insects for protein and fruits for carbohydrates; hence insects play important roles during the migratory journey of birds.
According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Human activities have altered the places that host the food birds feed on, resulting in the decline of the population and types of birds in an environment. Insects pollinate more than 75 per cent of global crops, a service valued at up to $577 billion per year.
Iwajomo said pollination is crucial for crop success, and the group of insects responsible for pollination is declining due to pesticide use in farmlands, and advocated regulation of pesticide usage in the country. “Insects are crucial for processes like pollination, which is a critical part of food security for humans. Birds contribute to pollination and they also contribute to seed dispersal. Seed dispersal is important for habitat restoration, and for regrowth of destroyed or degraded habitat,” he said.
He stressed that planting trees, especially native species, can create a microclimate that reduces heat and offers numerous benefits for plants, humans, and birds. It’s not just about planting any tree but selecting appropriate species, including historical plants native to the area,” he added.
NCF Director General, Dr Joseph Onoja, urged Nigerians to restore natural spaces through the planting of native trees that support insect species.
The foundation’s Senior Manager, Species Conservation, Dr Stella Egbe, who advocated tree planting to restore nature and conservation, said human actions disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems, urged Nigerians to stop concrete construction of homes, and rather embrace tree planting.
“We need to restore our natural spaces, build conservation and environmental awareness into the development plans, and stop building concrete homes. We need to plant trees that form the foundational basis for life,” she added.
