The total of native bee types in European nations facing extinction has more than doubled in the last ten years, while the total of endangered butterfly has nearly doubled.
This pressing issue for vital pollinating species was revealed by research studies for the red list of threatened species, which found that at least over 170 bee varieties out of nearly two thousand were threatened with extinction in European nations.
The count of butterfly types at risk of extinction in European nations has risen from 37 to 65 since the last study, conducted a decade and a half ago. A single species, the Madeiran large white (Pieris wollastoni) has now been declared extinct.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal and cultural importance, pollinators like bees and butterfly species are essential supports for our physical condition, our food supplies and our economic systems – sustaining the fruits, vegetables and seeds that sustain us,” commented the IUCN director general. “The latest assessments of the European red list reveal major obstacles, with threats increasing for butterflies and essential wild bee varieties.”
The reasons of the quick recent decreases are the ongoing destruction or damage of habitats caused by intensive agriculture and deserted farmland, wetland drainage, livestock overgrazing, and the use of fertilisers and pesticides including neonicotinoids. The breaking up of environments suitable for pollinators significantly raises the danger of extinctions at local level.
Global warming is also revealed to be a major threat: Over half of all threatened butterfly types in Europe are threatened by the climate change crisis – roughly double the number as a decade ago.
Up to nine out of ten of flowering plants in the European continent rely on animal pollination, as stated by Dr Denis Michez. “Regrettably, wild bee groups are in drastic decline and are not easily replaceable by managed bee colonies,” he said. “If native bees vanish, many native plants might be threatened too – of which meadows rich in flowers and beautiful orchid species are just a few examples.”
Fifteen species of bumblebees, which have an essential part in fertilizing legumes like peas, beans, peanuts and clover, and fourteen varieties of cellophane bees, recognized for aiding tree pollination such as willows and red maples, are now classified as threatened. Simpanurgus phyllopodus, a mining bee species found only in the European continent and the single type of this biological genus in European nations, is now assessed as severely threatened – the scientific category most akin to extinction in the wild.
Butterfly types that are only found on mountain tops are especially at risk to global heating as they have to climb upward as their environments become hotter but ultimately have no room left. In the southern part of Spain, the Nevada grayling and the Andalusian anomalous blue butterfly are among above 40 percent of European endemics (only found in Europe) at risk of extinction.
In the Mediterranean area, types such as the critically endangered grayling of Karpathos are endangered by intense dry conditions and fires.
Meanwhile, in the Far North, global warming is causing the forest boundary to shift northward by many meters each year, with underbrush encroaching on marsh and tundra. Higher temperatures also mean Arctic deer can not anymore cross the ice to graze Arctic grasslands and keep them open. Eight butterfly species are at risk of extinction in this area, including Freyja’s fritillary and the Arctic ringlet.
“The greatest environment for all these pollinating species is bloom-filled grassy areas and that is vanishing rapidly throughout Europe because of all these factors,” said Martin Warren. “The good news is that so many citizens are concerned now and there’s a lot more awareness. Under the EU nature restoration legislation, all participating nations have to reverse the decline in pollinating species by twenty-thirty, and they are going to have to begin taking action. There are land holders who are engaged. It is hoped they can obtain the motivations that will help them on their way.”
According to Warren, there is “low-hanging fruit” in terms of action for pollinating insects which won’t reduce agricultural output – and may enhance it – such as farmers establishing bloom-filled edges around their farmland.
EU commissioner for environment, characterized the conservation status of non-managed bees, butterfly species and other pollinating insects as “critical”.
“Urgent and collective action is needed to address this danger. Along with member countries, the EU Commission has established an Europe-wide observation system for pollinators based on the European Union nature restoration legislation, which will help to track our advancement. Now, we need to concentrate on execution and collaboration with participating nations to safeguard our pollinators,” she said.
The release of the bee and butterfly assessments follows the first Europe-wide evaluation of hoverflies, an additional crucial pollinator group. Issued in 2022, it disclosed that thirty-seven percent of all hoverfly species in Europe were at risk of extinction.
