Concerning Increase in Threatened Wild Bee Types In European Nations

The total of non-managed bee species in the European continent experiencing extinction has more than doubled during the previous ten-year period, and the count of endangered butterfly types has close to doubled.

This dire scenario for essential pollinating species was unveiled by research studies for the IUCN red list, which determined that at least over 170 bee varieties out of nearly two thousand were at risk of extinction in European nations.

The number of butterfly species threatened with extinction in European nations has increased from thirty-seven to 65 since the last study, carried out over a decade past. A single species, the Madeiran large white butterfly (Pieris wollastoni) has now been confirmed extinct.

In addition to their beauty and cultural significance, pollinating insects like bees and butterfly species are crucial elements for our well-being, our food systems and our economic systems – maintaining the fruits, vegetables and seeds that sustain us,” said Grethel Aguilar. “The most recent European red list assessments reveal major obstacles, with threats mounting for butterfly species and crucial non-managed bee varieties.”

The reasons of the rapid recent declines are the persistent damage or destruction of habitats caused by agricultural intensification and deserted farmland, draining of wetlands, excessive grazing by animals, and the use of pesticides and fertilisers including neonicotinoid pesticides. The division of pollinator-friendly habitat significantly raises the danger of local extinctions.

Global heating is also revealed to be a primary risk: Over half of all at-risk butterfly types in Europe are threatened by the climate crisis – about twofold the amount as a ten years ago.

Nearly nine out of ten of blooming plants in the European continent depend on pollination by animals, according to Dr Denis Michez. “Unfortunately, wild bee populations are in sharp decrease and are not easily replaceable by managed bee colonies,” he said. “If native bees vanish, many native plants might be in danger as well – of which meadows rich in flowers and attractive orchid varieties 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 bee species, known for pollinating trees such as willows and red maples, are now categorized as at-risk. Simpanurgus phyllopodus, a mining bee type exclusive to the European continent and the single type of this biological genus in the European continent, is now assessed as critically at risk – the scientific classification closest to extinction in the wild.

Butterflies that are only found on high-altitude areas are highly susceptible to climate change as they have to climb upward as their habitats become more heated but in the end have no room left. In southern Spain, the Nevada grayling butterfly and the Andalusian anomalous blue butterfly are among more than 40% of European endemics (only found in Europe) at risk of extinction.

In the Mediterranean region, varieties such as the severely threatened Karpathos grayling butterfly are imperilled by extreme dry conditions and fires.

At the same time, in the Arctic Circle, global heating is causing the tree line to move north by dozens of meters each year, with bushes encroaching on marsh and tundra. Hotter climates also mean reindeer can no more cross the ice to graze Arctic grasslands and keep them open. Eight types of butterflies are facing extinction in this area, including the fritillary of Freyja and the Arctic ringlet.

“The largest habitat for all these pollinators is flower-rich grassland and that is declining quickly in Europe because of all these elements,” remarked Martin Warren. “The good news is that so many individuals are aware now and there’s a lot more awareness. Under the EU nature restoration legislation, all member countries have to halt the decline in pollinators by the year 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 incentives that will support them on their way.”

As per the coordinator, there is “easy opportunities” in terms of action for pollinators which won’t reduce crop yields – and may enhance it – such as agricultural producers developing margins rich in flowers around their cultivated areas.

Jessika Roswall, characterized the preservation condition of native bees, butterflies and additional pollinators as “dire”.

“Urgent and collective action is needed to confront this threat. Together with participating nations, the European Commission has put in place an European Union-wide monitoring system for pollinating insects based on the European Union nature restoration legislation, which will assist in monitoring our development. Now, we need to prioritize application and partnership with participating nations to safeguard our pollinating species,” she said.

The publication of the evaluations of bees along with butterflies comes after the pioneering European-wide evaluation of hoverflies, an additional crucial group of pollinators. Released in 2022, it showed that thirty-seven percent of all hoverfly types in the European continent were threatened with extinction.