(Beyond Pesticides, March 29, 2021) New data on the dangers of neonicotinoid insecticides call for urgent regulatory action. The same pesticides that have been linked to the global decline in insect pollinators also pose significant risks to their fellow avian hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are widely known for their nectar-powered hover, powered by wings that flap up to 80 times per second. They react uniquely to toxic pesticides. Research by scientists at the University of Toronto has shown that hummingbirds, even briefly exposed to systemic neonicotinoid insecticides, can disrupt the high-performance metabolism of this important and charismatic animal.
Call on the EPA and Congress to save the hummingbirds by stopping the use of neonicotinoid insecticides and supporting the transition to organic practices.
While hovering, a hummingbird burns calories faster than any other bird or mammal. This is why the finding that exposure to the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid slows metabolism by up to 25% is so worrying. Systemic pesticides such as imidacloprid and other neonics are transported through the plant, including nectar.
Insights into the threat neonicotinoids pose to hummingbirds decades after the chemicals were first used in the environment, and from independent scientists, not regulatory agencies, suggests a regulatory approach that ignores precautionary measures from the outset. Stunning data has been produced on the threat to ecosystem health posed by neonicotinoids around the world. The list of animals found to be affected by neonicotinoids is extensive, ranging from humans and other mammals to insect pollinators, songbirds, amphibians and other aquatic species.
Of the 338 species of hummingbird, all of which are found in the western hemisphere, 34 are already endangered. We need to eliminate this threat to these amazing little birds by replacing chemical intensive agriculture and horticulture with organic practices.
To help hummingbirds:
Tell the EPA and Congress to save the hummingbirds.
Letter to Michael Regan, Administrator, EPA
New data on the dangers of neonicotinoid insecticides call for urgent regulatory action. The same pesticides that have been linked to the global decline in insect pollinators also pose significant risks to their fellow avian hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are widely known for their nectar-powered hover, powered by wings that flap up to 80 times per second. They react uniquely to toxic pesticides. Research by scientists at the University of Toronto has shown that hummingbirds, even briefly exposed to systemic neonicotinoid insecticides, can disrupt the high-performance metabolism of this important and charismatic animal.
While hovering, a hummingbird burns calories faster than any other bird or mammal. This is why the finding that exposure to the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid slows metabolism by up to 25% is so worrying. Systemic pesticides such as imidacloprid and other neonics are transported through the plant, including nectar.
The EPA’s failure to respond to independent scientific evidence about neonicotinoid threats to hummingbirds indicates clearly inadequate protection of ecosystems critical to our future. Stunning data has been produced on the threat to ecosystem health posed by neonicotinoids around the world. The list of animals found to be affected by neonicotinoids is extensive, ranging from humans and other mammals to insect pollinators, songbirds, amphibians and other aquatic species.
Of the 338 species of hummingbird, all of which are found in the western hemisphere, 34 are already endangered. We need to eliminate this threat to these amazing little birds by supporting and promoting the transition from chemical intensive agriculture and horticulture to ecological practices.
Please counter these threats to hummingbirds by exposing them to neonicotinoid insecticides. Eliminate pesticides that endanger pollinators and their habitat.
Many Thanks.
Letter to the US Congress
New data on neonicotinoid insecticides call for urgent regulatory action. The same pesticides that have been linked to the global decline in insect pollinators also pose significant risks to their fellow avian hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are widely known for their nectar-powered hover, powered by wings that flap up to 80 times per second. They react uniquely to toxic pesticides. Research by scientists at the University of Toronto has shown that hummingbirds, even briefly exposed to systemic neonicotinoid insecticides, can disrupt the high-performance metabolism of this important and charismatic animal.
While hovering, a hummingbird burns calories faster than any other bird or mammal. This is why the finding that exposure to the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid slows metabolism by up to 25% is so worrying. Systemic pesticides such as imidacloprid and other neonics are transported through the plant, including nectar.
The EPA’s failure to respond to independent scientific evidence about neonicotinoid threats to hummingbirds indicates clearly inadequate protection of ecosystems critical to our future. Stunning data has been produced on the threat to ecosystem health posed by neonicotinoids around the world. The list of animals found to be affected by neonicotinoids is extensive, ranging from humans and other mammals to insect pollinators, songbirds, amphibians and other aquatic species.
Of the 338 species of hummingbird, all of which are found in the western hemisphere, 34 are already endangered. We need to eliminate this threat to these amazing little birds by supporting and promoting the transition from chemical intensive agriculture and horticulture to ecological practices.
Ask the EPA to combat these threats to hummingbirds by exposing them to neonicotinoid insecticides. Eliminate pesticides that endanger pollinators and their habitat.
Many Thanks.
