Monash researchers unveil global plan to safeguard tropical insects using local data and citizen science
Monash University scientists propose a worldwide framework that merges museum records, local expertise, citizen science and social-media data to improve conservation of tropical insects, which host over 80 % of insect species.
Researchers at Monash University have introduced a comprehensive strategy to address the severe knowledge shortfall for tropical insects, which comprise more than 80 % of global insect diversity. Led by Shawan Chowdhury, the team identified four principal obstacles: limited global visibility of existing studies, extensive data deficiencies, inadequate scientific infrastructure, and insufficient conservation initiatives.
Their proposed framework recommends tapping into a broad spectrum of information sources—including non-English regional journals, museum specimens, citizen-science contributions and social-media observations—and strengthening local scientific capacity to translate evidence into policy. Using Bangladesh as a pilot, the researchers found that formal studies are scarce, yet platforms like Facebook contain records for most threatened butterfly species, although only one of 226 species is adequately represented in protected areas.
The paper argues that moving beyond “parachute science” to foster fair, locally driven collaborations is essential for achieving biodiversity goals and protecting ecosystem services vital to food security. The findings were published in BioScience with co-authors from several countries.
Why it matters
Tropical insects underpin ecosystems and food production, so better conservation directly supports global food security and biodiversity.
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