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Saturday 26 May RNW - NEWS AND ANALYSIS FROM THE NETHERLANDS IN 10 LANGUAGES, WORLDWIDE 24/7 ON RADIO, TV AND ONLINE

1,600 billion insects die on Dutch roads each year

Published on 10 July 2011 - 1:49pm
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Wageningen University research into insect deaths on Dutch roads appears fruitful and will be continued. The aim of the work is to see what’s happening to insect numbers in the Netherlands.

Scientists launched the Splash Counter project in May, asking motorists to count how many dead insects could be found on their front licence plate after car rides.

The research considers the fact that insects may not just be squashed on plates, but over the entire surface of a vehicle. It appears that one insect meets its death on a car every five kilometres, on average.

Most deaths were recorded in the province of Zeeland. The province of Gelderland recorded the least. A higher number of deaths was reported during evening hours.

The researchers say they need more data for proper comparisons of estimated insect numbers. First calculations indicate that an average of 133 billion insects are killed on Dutch roads each month.

(mw/kh)

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Discussion

duck 12 July 2011 - 8:46pm

This has got to stop. Insects have rights. I have witnessed a person swatting a fly, That is no less than murder and should be treated as such.

Other people have literally denied insects from peoples homes. Insect segregation ?? Equal rights for insects. Let those flies, spiders, ants, and cockroaches in.

Got maggots in your food?? Embrace them. Take care of them. Nurture them. Show the insects that you care.

It's the only way.......

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