RESEARCH
A research team including Keele’ s Professor James Bell has made a breakthrough in monitoring insect populations using UK weather radar data.
16 | FOREVER Keele
RESEARCH
Weather radar data reveals alarming declines in insect populations
A research team including Keele’ s Professor James Bell has made a breakthrough in monitoring insect populations using UK weather radar data.
Traditionally used for tracking storms, these radars now help scientists monitor the movements and numbers of flying insects such as bees, moths, and flies.
The study, published in Global Change Biology, analysed radar data from 2014-2021 and found that while daytime insect numbers remain stable or have increased in southern regions, nocturnal insects – especially moths – have declined, particularly in the north. Light pollution and intensive farming were linked to lower insect activity, while woodlands and urban areas showed higher abundance.
Professor Bell said the approach offers“ an unprecedented opportunity” to understand insect biodiversity and inform conservation strategies.
Read more: keele. ac. uk / about / news / 2025 / october / weather-radar-data / declining-insectpopulations. php