The number of non-managed bee varieties in Europe experiencing extinction has over doubled over the past decade, whereas the count of endangered butterfly types has nearly doubled.
This critical situation for vital pollinating insects was revealed by research studies for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, which determined that at least over 170 bee types out of over 1900 were facing extinction in Europe.
The count of butterflies facing extinction in European nations has increased from thirty-seven to over sixty since the earlier research, conducted over a decade past. One type, the large white of Madeira (Pieris wollastoni) has now been confirmed extinct.
“Beyond their beauty and cultural significance, pollinating species like bees along with butterflies are essential supports for our health, our food systems and our economic systems – supporting the fruits, vegetables and seeds that nourish us,” commented the IUCN’s director general. “The newest assessments of the European red list reveal serious challenges, with dangers mounting for butterfly species and crucial non-managed bee types.”
The reasons of the rapid recent declines are the ongoing harm or degradation of natural habitats caused by farming intensification and abandoned land, draining wetlands, overgrazing by livestock, and the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides including neonicotinoid pesticides. The fragmentation of pollinator-friendly habitat significantly raises the danger of disappearances in specific areas.
Global warming is also shown to be a primary risk: Over half of all endangered butterfly species in Europe are threatened by the climate change crisis – roughly double the number as a ten years ago.
Nearly 90% of blooming plants in Europe depend on pollination by animals, as stated by the lead coordinator of the wild bee assessment. “Regrettably, wild bee populations are in severe drop and cannot be easily replaced by managed colonies,” he said. “If non-managed bees disappear, many native plants might be threatened too – of which bloom-filled grasslands and lovely orchid types are just a few examples.”
Fifteen species of bumblebee species, which have an essential part in fertilizing peas, beans, peanuts and clover, and 14 types of cellophane bees, famous for fertilizing trees such as willows along with red maples, are now listed as threatened. Simpanurgus phyllopodus, a mining bee found only in the mainland and the only species of this genus in Europe, is now classified as critically endangered – the research category closest to disappearance in the wild.
Butterflies that are exclusively located on mountain tops are particularly vulnerable to climate change as they need to move uphill as their habitats become warmer but eventually run out of space. In the southern part of Spain, the Nevada grayling and the anomalous blue of Andalusia are among above 40 percent of types unique to Europe (exclusive to Europe) at risk of extinction.
In the Mediterranean area, varieties such as the critically endangered grayling of Karpathos are endangered by intense dry conditions and fires.
At the same time, in the Arctic Circle, global warming is resulting in the timberline to move north by many meters each year, with bushes encroaching on bog and tundra. Warmer conditions also mean reindeer can no more cross the frozen water to browse northern grasslands and prevent them from overgrowing. Eight types of butterflies are facing extinction in this zone, including the fritillary of Freyja and the Arctic ringlet.
“The greatest habitat for all these pollinators is bloom-filled grassy areas and that is disappearing very fast across the European continent because of all these factors,” remarked Martin Warren. “The encouraging aspect is that so many individuals care now and there’s a lot more awareness. Under the European Union nature restoration law, 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 property owners who are interested. It is hoped they can get the incentives that will support them on their way.”
As stated by Warren, there is “low-hanging fruit” in terms of steps for pollinating insects which will not lower agricultural output – and could improve it – such as agricultural producers developing margins rich in flowers around their cultivated areas.
EU commissioner for environment, described the conservation status of non-managed bees, butterfly species and other pollinating insects as “severe”.
“Prompt and unified steps is necessary to address this danger. In collaboration with member countries, the Commission of the European Union has established an EU-wide tracking system for pollinators based on the EU nature restoration regulation, which will aid in following our progress. Now, we need to prioritize implementation and partnership with participating nations to safeguard our pollinating insects,” she said.
The publication of the evaluations of bees along with butterflies follows the initial EU-wide study on hoverflies, another crucial pollinator group. Issued in 2022, it disclosed that 37% of all hoverfly types in the European continent were facing extinction.
