The total of non-managed bee varieties in the European continent confronting dying out has increased twofold in the last ten years, and the count of threatened butterfly species has nearly doubled.
This critical situation for essential pollinators was unveiled by research studies for the IUCN red list, which found that at least 172 bee varieties out of 1,928 were at risk of extinction in Europe.
The number of butterfly species at risk of extinction in Europe has risen from 37 to sixty-five since the earlier research, performed 14 years ago. A single species, the Madeiran large white butterfly (Pieris wollastoni) has now been classified as extinct.
“Beyond their aesthetic appeal and cultural importance, pollinators like bees and butterfly species are essential supports for our well-being, our food systems and our financial structures – maintaining the fruits, vegetables and seeds that nourish us,” said the IUCN’s director general. “The latest European red list assessments reveal major obstacles, with threats mounting for butterflies and vital native bee species.”
The factors of the swift recent drops are the continuing damage or destruction of habitats caused by farming intensification and land abandonment, draining wetlands, overgrazing by livestock, and the utilization of pesticides and fertilisers including neonicotinoid chemicals. The division of environments suitable for pollinators substantially boosts the risk of disappearances in specific areas.
Global warming is also revealed to be a significant danger: 52% of all at-risk butterflies in Europe are threatened by the climate crisis – roughly twofold the amount as a decade ago.
As many as nine out of ten of flowering plants in European nations require pollination by animals, as stated by the wild bee assessment’s lead coordinator. “Regrettably, wild bee colonies are in sharp decrease and are not easily replaceable by managed bee colonies,” he said. “If non-managed bees die out, many wild plants might be threatened too – of which meadows rich in flowers and lovely orchid types are just a few examples.”
Fifteen types of bumblebee types, which play a crucial role in aiding the pollination of peas, beans, peanuts and clover, and 14 species of cellophane bees, recognized for pollinating trees such as willows and red maples, are now listed as threatened. Simpanurgus phyllopodus, a mining bee exclusive to the continent and the only species of this genus in the European continent, is now classified as critically endangered – the research category most akin to dying out in natural habitats.
Butterfly species that are only found on high-altitude areas are especially at risk to climate change as they have to climb upward as their habitats become warmer but in the end have no room left. In southern Spain, the grayling of Nevada and the anomalous blue of Andalusia are among more than 40% of types unique to Europe (only found in Europe) at risk of extinction.
In the Mediterranean region, types such as the critically endangered grayling of Karpathos are endangered by intense drought and wildfires.
At the same time, in the Far North, global heating is resulting in the timberline to move north by tens of metres each year, with bushes taking over bog and tundra. Warmer conditions also mean reindeer can no more cross the frozen water to feed on Arctic meadows and maintain them clear. 8 butterfly varieties are at risk of extinction in this region, including the fritillary of Freyja and the ringlet of the Arctic.
“The biggest habitat for all these pollinators is bloom-filled grassy areas and that is disappearing very fast in the European continent because of all these elements,” stated one of the lead coordinators of the butterflies assessment. “The positive thing is that so many people are aware now and there’s a lot more consciousness. Under the EU nature restoration legislation, all member states have to halt the drop in pollinators by twenty-thirty, and they are going to have to initiate measures. There are property owners who are engaged. We hope they can obtain the encouragements that will assist them on their way.”
According to Warren, there is “easy opportunities” in terms of measures for pollinating insects which will not lower crop yields – and could improve it – such as growers creating bloom-filled edges around their cultivated areas.
Jessika Roswall, described the conservation status of non-managed bees, butterfly species and other pollinating insects as “dire”.
“Immediate and joint measures is needed to address this threat. Together with member countries, the Commission of the European Union has implemented an Europe-wide monitoring system for pollinators based on the EU nature restoration law, which will aid in following our development. Now, we need to concentrate on implementation and cooperation with participating nations to safeguard our pollinating species,” she said.
The release of the bee and butterfly assessments comes after the initial Europe-wide study on hoverflies, another essential group of pollinators. Released in 2022, it disclosed that 37% of all hoverfly varieties in Europe were at risk of extinction.
