Wild Genomics, Inc.

A groundbreaking analysis on the link between biodiversity ?? and human well-being was published this week in Science. Bats, often overlooked in biodiversity discussions, play a critical role as natural pest controllers—benefiting both the economy and human health. Eyal Frank, known for his work linking vulture declines to human mortality in India, illustrates the cascading effects of biodiversity loss on agriculture and public health, using the decline of bat populations in the U.S. due to white-nose syndrome as a case study. The findings are alarming. Between 2006 and 2017, counties affected by white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease decimating bat populations, saw a 31% rise in insecticide use. Farmers, deprived of the pest control provided by bats, turned to chemicals as a substitute. However, this stopgap came at a steep cost—not just financially. The study shows infant mortality rates in those counties increased by nearly 8%, resulting in 1,334 additional infant deaths during this period, a grim consequence of increased chemical exposure. Frank aimed to quantify both the economic and human costs of losing this vital ecosystem service. His work illustrates the interconnectedness of biodiversity and human well-being. With fewer bats to prey on insects, crop revenues in affected areas dropped by 28.9%, with total agricultural losses estimated at $26.9 billion. The compensatory rise in insecticide use failed to fully replace the lost pest control and likely worsened declines in crop quality and farm revenue. While much of the biodiversity conversation focuses on species loss, this research underscores broader impacts, extending to agricultural productivity and public health. It serves as a stark warning to policymakers about the hidden costs of biodiversity decline. As efforts to protect 30% of the planet’s land and marine ecosystems by 2030 gain momentum, studies like this provide crucial evidence that conservation is not just about saving species but also safeguarding human life and livelihoods. Key Figures: ?? 31% increase in insecticide use in affected counties. ?? 8% rise in infant mortality in those same regions. ?? 1,334 additional infant deaths attributed to bat population declines. ?? 28.9% drop in crop revenue in areas impacted by white-nose syndrome. ?? Estimated agricultural losses of $26.9 billion between 2006 and 2017. Eyal G. Frank. The economic impacts of ecosystem disruptions: Costs from substituting biological pest control. Science. 6 Sep 2024 Vol 385, Issue 6713 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg034 ?? https://lnkd.in/gn4Kh5xE

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