The count of native bee varieties in European nations experiencing extinction has more than doubled over the past decade, while the count of at-risk butterfly types has almost doubled.
This critical situation for vital pollinating species was revealed by research studies for the IUCN red list, which determined that at least over 170 bee species out of over 1900 were facing extinction in the European continent.
The total of butterfly types at risk of extinction in Europe has increased from thirty-seven to over sixty since the previous assessment, performed a decade and a half ago. One species, the Madeiran large white (Pieris wollastoni) has now been declared extinct.
In addition to their visual charm and cultural value, pollinating species like bees and butterflies are essential supports for our well-being, our food chains and our economies – sustaining the fruits, veggies and seeds that sustain us,” commented Grethel Aguilar. “The latest European red list evaluations reveal significant difficulties, with risks mounting for butterfly species and crucial native bee species.”
The factors of the swift recent drops are the persistent damage or destruction of habitats caused by farming intensification and deserted farmland, draining wetlands, excessive grazing by animals, and the application of fertilisers and pesticides including neonicotinoids. The division of habitat friendly to pollinators greatly increases the risk of local extinctions.
Climate change is also demonstrated to be a significant danger: 52% of all endangered butterflies in Europe are imperilled by the climate change crisis – about twofold the amount as a decade ago.
As many as ninety percent of plants that flower in Europe depend on pollination by animals, as stated by the lead coordinator of the wild bee assessment. “Regrettably, non-managed bee colonies are in drastic decline and cannot be easily replaced by managed colonies,” he said. “If native bees disappear, many native plants might be at risk too – of which flower-rich meadows and beautiful orchid species are just a few examples.”
Fifteen types of bumblebees, which have an essential part in aiding the pollination of legumes like peas, beans, peanuts and clover, and fourteen varieties of cellophane bees, famous for pollinating trees such as willows along with red maples, are now classified as threatened. Simpanurgus phyllopodus, a mining bee unique to the European continent and the sole species of this genus in the European continent, is now evaluated as critically at risk – the research category closest to dying out in natural habitats.
Butterfly species that are only found on mountain tops are particularly vulnerable to global heating as they need to move uphill as their habitats become hotter but ultimately exhaust available space. In Spain’s southern region, the Nevada grayling and the anomalous blue of Andalusia are among above 40 percent of types unique to Europe (solely present in Europe) threatened with extinction.
In the Mediterranean region, species such as the highly at-risk grayling of Karpathos are endangered by intense wildfires and drought.
At the same time, in the Arctic region, global warming is causing the tree line to shift northward by many meters each year, with underbrush taking over marsh and tundra. Higher temperatures also mean Arctic deer can no longer cross the ice to browse northern grasslands and keep them open. Eight butterfly species are facing extinction in this region, including Freyja’s fritillary butterfly and the Arctic ringlet butterfly.
“The biggest environment for all these pollinating insects is bloom-filled grassy areas and that is disappearing very fast across European nations because of all these elements,” said Martin Warren. “The encouraging aspect is that so many individuals are aware now and there’s a lot more awareness. Under the European Union nature restoration law, all participating nations have to reverse the decline in pollinating species by 2030, and they are going to have to start doing something. There are property owners who are interested. It is hoped they can receive the motivations that will help them on their way.”
As stated by Martin Warren, there is “low-hanging fruit” in terms of steps for pollinators which will not decrease crop yields – and could improve it – such as farmers developing flower-rich margins around their cultivated areas.
the EU’s environment commissioner, described the protection status of wild bees, butterflies and other pollinators as “critical”.
“Prompt and unified steps is required to confront this danger. In collaboration with member states, the Commission of the European Union has implemented an Europe-wide monitoring system for pollinating insects based on the EU nature restoration regulation, which will aid in following our progress. Now, we need to focus on execution and partnership with member states to protect our pollinating species,” she said.
The release of the bee and butterfly assessments is subsequent to the initial Europe-wide study on hoverflies, another vital pollinator group. Released in twenty-twenty-two, it showed that over one-third of all hoverfly types in the European continent were threatened with extinction.
