The count of wild bee varieties in the European continent facing extinction has more than doubled in the last ten years, and the number of threatened butterfly species has nearly doubled.
This dire scenario for vital pollinating species was unveiled by research studies for the red list of threatened species, which determined that at least 172 bee types out of over 1900 were at risk of extinction in the European continent.
The count of butterflies at risk of extinction in European nations has grown from over thirty-five to over sixty since the earlier research, carried out 14 years ago. One type, the Madeiran large white (Pieris wollastoni) has now been classified as extinct.
In addition to their beauty and cultural importance, pollinating species like bees and butterflies are crucial elements for our well-being, our food chains and our economic systems – maintaining the fruits, vegetables and seeds that feed us,” commented the IUCN director general. “The most recent European red list assessments reveal major obstacles, with risks increasing for butterfly types and crucial non-managed bee species.”
The factors of the quick recent decreases are the persistent harm or degradation of habitats caused by intensive agriculture and abandoned land, draining wetlands, excessive grazing by animals, and the application of chemical fertilisers and pesticides including neonicotinoids. The fragmentation of pollinator-friendly habitat substantially boosts the risk of extinctions at local level.
Global heating is also demonstrated to be a primary risk: 52% of all threatened butterfly types in the European continent are endangered by the climate change crisis – approximately twice as many as a previous decade.
Nearly nine out of ten of plants that flower in Europe depend on animal pollination, as per Dr Denis Michez. “Sadly, native bee populations are in drastic decline and are not easily replaceable by domesticated hives,” he said. “If native bees disappear, many wild plants might be in danger as well – of which meadows rich in flowers and lovely orchid types are just a couple of instances.”
Fifteen species of bumblebees, which have an essential part in aiding the pollination of legumes like peas, beans, peanuts and clover, and fourteen varieties of cellophane bee species, famous for pollinating trees such as willows along with red maples, are now listed as threatened. Simpanurgus phyllopodus, a mining bee unique to the continent and the only species of this biological genus in European nations, is now classified as severely threatened – the scientific category nearest to disappearance in the wild.
Butterfly species that are only found on high-altitude areas are especially at risk to global heating as they have to climb upward as their environments become more heated but eventually run out of space. In Spain’s southern region, the grayling of Nevada and the Andalusian anomalous blue butterfly are among above 40 percent of species endemic to Europe (solely present in Europe) facing extinction.
In the Mediterranean area, varieties such as the severely threatened Karpathos grayling butterfly are imperilled by severe drought and wildfires.
At the same time, in the Far North, global heating is causing the timberline to advance northwards by tens of metres each year, with scrub encroaching on marsh and tundra. Hotter climates also mean reindeer can no longer cross the frozen water to browse Arctic grasslands and maintain them clear. Eight types of butterflies are threatened with extinction in this zone, including Freyja’s fritillary and the ringlet of the Arctic.
“The largest environment for all these pollinating insects is grassland rich in flowers and that is disappearing very fast throughout European nations because of all these elements,” remarked one of the lead coordinators of the butterflies assessment. “The positive thing is that so many citizens are concerned now and there’s a lot more awareness. Under the EU nature restoration legislation, all member countries have to reverse the decline in pollinating species by 2030, and they are going to have to begin taking action. There are property owners who are involved. It is hoped they can get the encouragements that will assist them on their way.”
According to Warren, there is “low-hanging fruit” in terms of steps for pollinating species which will not lower crop yields – and may enhance it – such as agricultural producers establishing margins rich in flowers around their fields.
Jessika Roswall, described the conservation status of native bees, butterflies and additional pollinators as “severe”.
“Prompt and unified steps is needed to tackle this danger. Together with member countries, the EU Commission has put in place an European Union-wide observation system for pollinating species based on the European Union nature restoration legislation, which will help to track our development. Now, we need to concentrate on execution and partnership with member countries to preserve our pollinators,” she said.
The release of the evaluations of bees along with butterflies follows the initial EU-wide assessment of hoverflies, another vital pollinating insect category. Issued in 2022, it disclosed that thirty-seven percent of all hoverfly types in the European continent were threatened with extinction.
