If you did not participate in the recent vote, you really missed something. Ten innovative and morally upright candidates presented themselves without the shadow of external influence or populist rhetoric. And if you are in search of inspiration that is both strong and surprisingly endearing, the winner of 2025 will captivate you: the Milnesium tardigradum.
Thousands of readers of the Guardian around the world voted in this contest we invented to celebrate the unsung heroes of our planet. It is easy to remain indifferent to the invertebrates, these creatures often invisible in our urban or rural lives. Yet, they represent the vast majority of terrestrial species and perform vital functions for our ecosystem. Without them, our world as we know it would be irreversibly transformed.
In the vast animal kingdom, invertebrates play a crucial role often unknown to the general public. In 2025, special recognition has been given to them through the “Invertebrate of the Year” contest, shedding light on these fascinating and indispensable creatures in our ecosystem. But why are these spineless beings so essential and worthy of this honorary title?
Why are invertebrates essential to our ecosystem?
The invertebrates represent about 95% of animal species on Earth, making them the main players in biodiversity. Their diversity is remarkable, ranging from ladybugs to spiders, including earthworms and jellyfish. These animals perform various roles, such as pollination, decomposition of organic matter, and regulation of populations of other species. For example, bees, although small, are vital for the pollination of plants, enabling the production of many fruits and vegetables essential to our diet.
Moreover, marine invertebrates like corals form reefs that provide habitat for a multitude of other species, creating complex habitats and protecting coastlines from storms. Without these structures, marine biodiversity would be significantly reduced, impacting both ecosystems and local economies dependent on fishing and tourism.
To learn more about the role of invertebrates in our environment, check out this article here.
What is the invertebrate of the year 2025 and why was it chosen?
The invertebrate elected miniature hero of 2025 is the Milnesium tardigradum, also known as the tardigrade. These microorganisms, often nicknamed “water bears,” are renowned for their incredible resilience and ability to survive in extreme conditions, including the vacuum of space. Their selection reflects admiration for resilient organisms that have survived the five mass extinctions of Earth.
Tardigrades are perfect examples of life’s robustness. They can enter a state of cryptobiosis, a form of dormancy that allows them to survive temperatures ranging from near absolute zero to over 150°C, as well as high pressures and intense radiation. This unique ability makes them not only fascinating to scientists but also allows them to contribute to research in biology and astrobiology.
The choice of Milnesium tardigradum highlights the importance of preserving these small creatures that, despite their modest size, play a disproportionate role in the health of our planet. To discover other remarkable candidates in this contest, visit this article.
What threats currently loom over invertebrates?
Despite their apparent resilience, invertebrates face numerous threats that jeopardize their survival and, consequently, our own well-being. Climate change, pollution, habitat destruction, and the introduction of invasive species are all factors contributing to the rapid decline of these populations.
For example, the proliferation of toxic algae has recently caused mysterious foam phenomena on the beaches of South Australia, as noted in this article here. These toxic algae affect not only marine invertebrates but also disturb the balance of coastal ecosystems.
Furthermore, coral bleaching presents another major threat. Corals, while often perceived as vertebrate columns, host a multitude of invertebrates. Bleaching due to rising ocean temperatures reduces their ability to support these complex communities, as shown in images revealing the bleaching of corals on the Ningaloo reef.
On land, the increase of 50% of raw sewage discharges into rivers in 2024, according to Thames Water data, has devastating repercussions on freshwater invertebrate populations. These polluted waters destroy natural habitats and disrupt the life cycles of aquatic species.
How can we protect invertebrates and ensure their survival?
Protecting invertebrates requires a multifaceted approach involving habitat conservation, pollution reduction, and public awareness. Here are some key strategies to ensure the survival of these unsung heroes:
1. Habitat conservation: Preserving natural environments is essential for maintaining biodiversity. This includes protecting wetlands, coral reefs, forests, and coastal areas where many invertebrates find refuge.
2. Pollution reduction: Limiting sewage discharges, reducing pesticide use, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices are all necessary measures to mitigate the pollution threatening invertebrates.
3. Awareness and education: Informing the public about the importance of invertebrates and the threats they face can encourage more environmentally respectful behaviors. Awareness campaigns can help change perceptions and value these often misunderstood animals.
4. Research and monitoring: Investing in scientific research allows for a better understanding of the needs of invertebrates and the development of effective conservation strategies. Monitoring invertebrate populations also helps identify endangered species and take preventive measures.
To learn more about initiatives for invertebrate protection, check out this article.
What impact does recognizing the invertebrate of the year have on public perception?
The recognition of an invertebrate as hero of the year plays a significant role in how the public perceives these creatures often invisible to the naked eye. By highlighting specific species, this type of contest raises awareness and educates the public about the importance of invertebrates in our daily lives.
This recognition can change our anthropocentric perspective by reminding us that human survival is intimately linked to the health of the ecosystems populated by these animals. By valuing these species, we acknowledge the diversity of life and the necessity of preserving it to maintain ecological balance.
Moreover, the increased visibility of invertebrates can inspire concrete actions for conservation. Media campaigns and informative articles contribute to creating a citizen movement in favor of biodiversity protection. For example, the success of Milnesium tardigradum inspires researchers and nature enthusiasts to devote more resources to the study and preservation of endangered species.
Finally, this recognition can encourage educational initiatives in schools and universities, integrating the study of invertebrates into educational curricula. By raising awareness among younger generations, we ensure continuity in conservation efforts and a better understanding of species interdependence.
To delve deeper into the impact of contests like this on invertebrate conservation, explore this article.
What are the future challenges for invertebrates and our environment?
Invertebrates will continue to face many challenges in the coming years, influenced by factors like climate change, increasing urbanization, and pressure on natural resources. These issues have direct impacts on biodiversity and the health of ecosystems, ultimately affecting human life.
Climate change is altering the habitats of many species, forcing invertebrates to adapt or migrate to new areas. This adaptation is often challenging for species with low mobility or those with very specific life cycles. For instance, jellyfish may thrive in warmer waters, thereby disrupting marine food webs by competing with other species.
Rapid urbanization leads to the destruction of natural habitats, reducing available space for terrestrial invertebrates. Urban areas, with their significant light and noise pollution, as well as their habitat fragmentation, become inhospitable for the survival of many species. These conditions favor resistant species but weaken more sensitive populations.
Additionally, pressure on natural resources, including overfishing and mining, leads to the degradation of aquatic and terrestrial habitats. This directly impacts invertebrate populations, which rely on these environments for food and reproduction.
To anticipate and mitigate these challenges, international collaboration is necessary. Environmental policies must incorporate targeted conservation strategies supported by scientific research and community engagement. Initiatives such as the restoration of natural habitats and the establishment of ecological corridors can provide viable solutions to protect invertebrates and preserve biodiversity.
To understand future challenges and possible solutions, check out this article.
How can technological innovations help invertebrate conservation?
Technological advancements offer new opportunities for the conservation of invertebrates, enabling more effective methods for monitoring, researching, and protecting endangered species. Here are some promising examples of innovations:
1. Drone and sensor monitoring: The use of drones equipped with sensors allows for precise and extensive monitoring of natural habitats. These technologies facilitate early detection of environmental changes and the collection of real-time data, essential for proactive ecosystem management.
2. Artificial intelligence and machine learning: Artificial intelligence algorithms can analyze vast amounts of ecological data to identify trends and predict potential threats. These tools help researchers better understand invertebrate behavior and needs, thereby facilitating the implementation of targeted conservation measures.
3. Biotechnology and bioengineering: Advances in biotechnology enable the development of innovative solutions for habitat restoration and species protection. For example, bioengineering can be used to create artificial structures that mimic natural habitats, providing secure refuges for invertebrates.
4. Mobile applications and collaborative platforms: Mobile applications allow for the collection of citizen observations, thereby engaging the general public in the monitoring and protection of invertebrates. Collaborative platforms facilitate knowledge sharing and coordination of conservation efforts between scientists, governments, and local communities.
These technological innovations, by combining precision, efficiency, and accessibility, play a crucial role in the preservation of invertebrates. They enable the development of conservation strategies based on solid data and mobilize the necessary resources to protect these vital species.
To explore in more detail the technological innovations in conservation, check out this article.
