Restoration of Natural Habitats as a Nature-based Solution for Sustaining Insect Biodiversity to Ensure Sustainable Food Production

Astrid Jankielsohn* and Gimo M Daniel

The rapid loss of natural habitats and resulting loss of biodiversity in insect taxa is a serious concern that will impact future food production. Insect biodiversity decline can be mainly attributed to the intensification of agriculture with the main drivers being habitat loss, fragmentation, and use of agro-chemicals. To mitigate the pressure of agriculture on biodiversity we urgently need to prioritize the restoration of land to natural habitats within agricultural landscapes. Changes in biodiversity in agricultural landscapes as agriculture intensifies were investigated in an Afromontane biome in South Africa, using dung beetle assemblages as indicators of habitat transformation. Five localities were chosen for dung beetle monitoring in the grassland biome of the Eastern Free State, South Africa. A total of 27 dung beetle species classified in 15 genera were collected in the study area during November 2023. Land use change from natural to agricultural causes a change in the community structure of dung beetles with some species and functional groups becoming more dominant, while others disappear as agricultural intensity increases. For efficient ecosystem functioning in agricultural habitats, an integrated approach for the specific area will be necessary. The protection of large natural areas, the restoration of degraded agricultural habitats, and the promotion of livestock and crops that are adapted to the specific environment will be essential.

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Published on: Nov 21, 2024 Pages: 146-155

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/gje.000107
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