Insect decline and its drivers: Unsupported conclusions in a poorly performed meta-analysis on trends-A critique of Sánchez-Bayo and Wyckhuys (2019)
Abstract
In their recent article 'Worldwide decline of the entomofauna: A review of its drivers', Sánchez-Bayo and Wyckhuys (2019) have published a literature review in which they aim at summarising the current state of knowledge about insect declines and pointing to the likely drivers. We congratulate the authors for the compilation of trend studies on a broad range of groups of zoological taxa; yet we are concerned about some aspects of their study that do not comply with the standards required. Some of these concerns have already been raised by Finnish and British researchers replying to the review from Sánchez-Bayo and Wyckhuys (Komonen, Halme, & Kotiaho 2019; Simmons et al. 2019; Thomas, Jones, & Hartley 2019). Beyond reinforcing their statements, we discuss additional shortcomings and suggest an improved approach. A critical discussion is particularly important as the subject is prominent in current political debates and the review of Sánchez-Bayo and Wyckhuys was almost immediately taken up by media worldwide. In a research field with high visibility beyond the scientific community, scientists are particularly responsible for an immediate critical debate of research results. We argue that the article of Sánchez-Bayo and Wyckhuys has methodological shortcomings and does not represent the current knowledge.
- Publication:
-
Basic and Applied Ecology
- Pub Date:
- June 2019
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.baae.2019.04.001
- Bibcode:
- 2019BApEc..37...20M