“Parachute science” is failing the tropics, home to more than 80% of insect species
Monash University scientists argue that 'parachute science'—where researchers from wealthy nations conduct studies in the tropics without local collaboration—is hindering insect conservation. The team proposes a new strategy to address knowledge gaps in regions that host 80% of global insect diversity.
Why it matters
Improving biodiversity monitoring in the tropics is critical for global food security and ecosystem health, as current conservation data is heavily biased toward temperate regions.
Scientists at Monash University have proposed a new global strategy to address a major weakness in biodiversity conservation. Insects are essential to ecosystems, agriculture, and food production, yet conservation efforts across tropical regions often fail to account for them.
The international research was led by Dr. Shawan Chowdhury, head of the Global Change Ecology Lab at Monash University's School of Biological Sciences. Published in BioScience , the study brought together experts in tropical ecology from around the world to identify the main barriers to protecting insects and outline practical ways to overcome them.
Most of Earth's Insects Live in the Tropics
Insects are the most diverse group of animals on the planet. Scientists estimate there may be between 14 and 30 million insect species, and most have not yet been formally documented.
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