The count of native bee varieties in European nations facing disappearance has over doubled in the last ten years, whereas the number of endangered butterfly species has nearly doubled.
This pressing issue for vital pollinators was revealed by research studies for the IUCN red list, which found that at least one hundred seventy-two bee species out of nearly two thousand were at risk of extinction in Europe.
The number of butterflies threatened with extinction in the European continent has risen from thirty-seven to sixty-five since the earlier research, conducted a decade and a half ago. One type, the Madeiran large white (Pieris wollastoni) has now been classified as extinct.
Apart from their aesthetic appeal and cultural significance, pollinators like bees and butterfly species are lifelines for our well-being, our food systems and our economies – supporting the fruits, vegetables and seeds that feed us,” commented Grethel Aguilar. “The most recent European red list evaluations reveal serious challenges, with risks increasing for butterfly types and crucial native bee types.”
The reasons of the swift recent drops are the continuing harm or degradation of habitats caused by agricultural intensification and abandoned land, draining of wetlands, overgrazing by livestock, and the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides including neonicotinoid chemicals. The fragmentation of environments suitable for pollinators significantly raises the threat of disappearances in specific areas.
Global warming is also demonstrated to be a significant danger: 52% of all endangered butterflies in European nations are imperilled by the climate crisis – approximately double the number as a ten years ago.
Nearly nine out of ten of flowering plants in Europe require insect pollination, as stated by the wild bee assessment’s lead coordinator. “Regrettably, native bee colonies are in severe drop and cannot readily be substituted by domesticated hives,” he said. “If non-managed bees die out, many wild plants might be in danger as well – of which bloom-filled grasslands and lovely orchid types are just a few examples.”
Fifteen species of bumblebees, which play a crucial role in aiding the pollination of crops such as peas, beans, peanuts and clover, and fourteen varieties of cellophane bees, famous for pollinating trees such as willows and red maples, are now listed as threatened. Simpanurgus phyllopodus, a mining bee type found only in the continent and the sole species of this genus group in European nations, is now assessed as severely threatened – the research category most akin to dying out in natural habitats.
Butterfly types that are exclusively located on mountain tops are particularly vulnerable to global warming as they must ascend higher as their habitats become more heated but eventually have no room left. In southern Spain, the grayling of Nevada and the Andalusian anomalous blue are among over forty percent of European endemics (solely present in Europe) facing extinction.
In the Mediterranean region, species such as the highly at-risk grayling of Karpathos are endangered by extreme dry conditions and fires.
Meanwhile, in the Arctic Circle, climate change is leading to the timberline to shift northward by tens of metres each year, with underbrush taking over wetlands and tundra. Hotter climates also mean reindeer can no more cross the frozen water to feed on Arctic meadows and keep them open. 8 butterfly varieties are at risk of extinction in this region, including Freyja’s fritillary butterfly and the Arctic ringlet.
“The greatest environment for all these pollinating insects is bloom-filled grassy areas and that is vanishing rapidly across European nations because of all these elements,” stated Martin Warren. “The good news is that so many people are concerned now and there’s a lot more consciousness. Under the EU nature restoration legislation, all participating nations have to halt the decline in pollinating species by the year 2030, and they are going to have to begin taking action. There are landowners who are interested. It is hoped they can receive the encouragements that will support them on their way.”
As per Martin Warren, there is “low-hanging fruit” in terms of measures for pollinators which won’t reduce food production – and might boost it – such as agricultural producers developing margins rich in flowers around their farmland.
Jessika Roswall, portrayed the protection status of native bees, butterflies and additional pollinators as “severe”.
“Prompt and unified steps is necessary to address this threat. Along with participating nations, the EU Commission has established an Europe-wide observation system for pollinating species based on the EU nature restoration regulation, which will help to track our development. Now, we need to focus on execution and partnership with participating nations to preserve our pollinating insects,” she said.
The publication of the assessments on bees and butterflies follows the initial European-wide evaluation of hoverflies, another crucial group of pollinators. Issued in 2022, it revealed that 37% of all hoverfly varieties in European nations were facing extinction.
