A devastating decline in the numbers of insects worldwide, with up to 40% of insect species threatened with extinction is underway. This decline will have repercussions throughout the food chain, not just for humans. The majority of amphibian species rely on insects and other invertebrates as their main food source. 43% of amphibian species are experiencing population declines, and 32% globally are threatened with extinction.

The main causes of these species declines appear to be due to habitat loss and conversion to intensive agriculture; urbanisation, pollution (mainly agricultural pesticides and fertilisers) and, climate change.