The number of native bee types in European nations confronting dying out has over doubled during the previous ten-year period, whereas the number of at-risk butterfly has nearly doubled.
This critical situation for vital pollinating species was revealed by scientific assessments for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, which determined that at least over 170 bee varieties out of 1,928 were at risk of extinction in the European continent.
The number of butterflies threatened with extinction in Europe has risen from thirty-seven to sixty-five since the previous assessment, conducted a decade and a half ago. One type, the Madeiran large white (Pieris wollastoni) has now been confirmed extinct.
In addition to their visual charm and cultural importance, pollinating insects like bees and butterflies are essential supports for our health, our food chains and our economic systems – supporting the fruits, vegetables and seeds that sustain us,” stated the IUCN’s director general. “The latest assessments of the European red list reveal significant difficulties, with risks increasing for butterflies and crucial wild bee types.”
The causes of the quick recent decreases are the continuing damage or destruction of natural habitats caused by farming intensification and land abandonment, draining of wetlands, livestock overgrazing, and the use of pesticides and fertilisers including neonicotinoids. The division of environments suitable for pollinators greatly increases the danger of disappearances in specific areas.
Global heating is also shown to be a primary risk: 52% of all at-risk butterflies in Europe are threatened by the climate emergency – approximately twice as many as a previous decade.
Nearly ninety percent of flowering plants in European nations require animal pollination, as stated by Dr Denis Michez. “Unfortunately, native bee colonies are in drastic decline and cannot be easily replaced by managed bee colonies,” he said. “If wild bees die out, many native plants might be threatened too – of which flower-rich meadows and beautiful orchid species are just a few examples.”
Fifteen species of bumblebee species, which have an essential part in pollinating crops such as peas, beans, peanuts and clover, and 14 types of cellophane bee species, known for pollinating trees such as willow trees and red maples, are now listed as threatened. Simpanurgus phyllopodus, a mining bee type found only in the mainland and the sole species of this genus in Europe, is now assessed as critically endangered – the research category closest to dying out in natural habitats.
Butterfly types that are only found on high-altitude areas are particularly vulnerable to climate change as they need to move uphill as their environments become warmer but in the end exhaust available space. In Spain’s southern region, the Nevada grayling butterfly and the Andalusian anomalous blue are among above 40 percent of European endemics (solely present in Europe) facing extinction.
In the Mediterranean, types such as the highly at-risk Karpathos grayling butterfly are imperilled by intense dry conditions and fires.
In the meantime, in the Arctic region, global heating is causing the tree line to move north by tens of metres each year, with underbrush invading marsh and tundra. Hotter climates also mean Arctic deer can no longer cross the ice sheets to graze northern grasslands and maintain them clear. Eight types of butterflies are facing extinction in this area, including Freyja’s fritillary and the ringlet of the Arctic.
“The largest environment for all these pollinating insects is bloom-filled grassy areas and that is disappearing very fast across the European continent because of all these elements,” said Martin Warren. “The good news is that so many citizens are aware now and there’s a lot more consciousness. Under the EU nature restoration legislation, all participating nations have to reverse the decline in pollinating insects by the year 2030, and they are going to have to start doing something. There are property owners who are engaged. It is hoped they can receive the motivations that will support them on their way.”
As per Warren, there is “easy opportunities” in terms of action for pollinating species which will not lower agricultural output – and may enhance it – such as growers establishing flower-rich margins around their farmland.
EU commissioner for environment, described the protection status of non-managed bees, butterfly species and other pollinating insects as “dire”.
“Immediate and joint measures is needed to address this risk. In collaboration with member countries, the European Commission has implemented an Europe-wide observation system for pollinating species based on the European Union nature restoration legislation, which will assist in monitoring our progress. Now, we need to focus on application and cooperation with member countries to preserve our pollinating species,” she said.
The publication of the evaluations of bees along with butterflies comes after the initial Europe-wide evaluation of hoverflies, another crucial group of pollinators. Published in 2022, it disclosed that 37% of all hoverfly varieties in Europe were facing extinction.
