Worrying Increase in Endangered Native Bee Species In the European Continent

The count of non-managed bee types in European nations experiencing extinction has over doubled over the past decade, and the number of endangered butterfly types has nearly doubled.

This critical situation for essential pollinating species was revealed by scientific studies for the IUCN red list, which established that at least 172 bee species out of 1,928 were at risk of extinction in the European continent.

The count of butterflies at risk of extinction in European nations has increased from thirty-seven to 65 since the previous assessment, carried out 14 years ago. One type, the Madeiran large white butterfly (Pieris wollastoni) has now been confirmed extinct.

Apart from their visual charm and cultural value, pollinating insects like bees and butterflies are crucial elements for our health, our food supplies and our economic systems – supporting the fruits, vegetables and seeds that sustain us,” commented Grethel Aguilar. “The latest assessments of the European red list reveal serious challenges, with dangers increasing for butterfly species and essential non-managed bee types.”

The causes of the rapid recent declines are the continuing harm or degradation of natural habitats caused by farming intensification and abandoned land, draining wetlands, overgrazing by livestock, and the utilization of chemical fertilisers and pesticides including neonicotinoids. The division of pollinator-friendly habitat substantially boosts the risk of local extinctions.

Global heating is also revealed to be a significant danger: Over half of all threatened butterfly species in the European continent are threatened by the climate emergency – approximately double the number as a ten years ago.

Up to nine out of ten of flowering plants in European nations depend on animal pollination, as per Dr Denis Michez. “Regrettably, native bee groups are in severe drop and are not easily replaceable by domesticated hives,” he said. “If native bees die out, many wild plants might be at risk too – of which bloom-filled grasslands and lovely orchid types are just a handful of illustrations.”

15 varieties of bumblebee species, which have an essential part in aiding the pollination of peas, beans, peanuts and clover, and 14 species of cellophane bee types, recognized for fertilizing trees such as willow trees and red maples, are now listed as threatened. Simpanurgus phyllopodus, a mining bee unique to the mainland and the single type of this genus group in European nations, is now assessed as critically endangered – the research category most akin to disappearance in the wild.

Butterflies that are only found on mountain peaks are especially at risk to global warming as they must ascend higher as their habitats become warmer but ultimately run out of space. In the southern part of Spain, the Nevada grayling butterfly and the anomalous blue of Andalusia are among more than 40% of species endemic to Europe (solely present in Europe) facing extinction.

In the Mediterranean region, species such as the severely threatened grayling of Karpathos are threatened by extreme dry conditions and fires.

At the same time, in the Arctic Circle, climate change is leading to the timberline to advance northwards by dozens of meters each year, with scrub encroaching on wetlands and tundra. Higher temperatures also mean reindeer can no more cross the ice to browse northern grasslands and maintain them clear. Eight types of butterflies are facing extinction in this zone, including Freyja’s fritillary and the ringlet of the Arctic.

“The greatest environment for all these pollinating insects is bloom-filled grassy areas and that is disappearing very fast throughout the European continent because of all these factors,” stated a lead coordinator for the butterfly assessment. “The positive thing is that so many people are aware now and there’s a lot more understanding. Under the EU’s nature restoration regulation, all member countries have to reverse the decline in pollinators by the year 2030, and they are going to have to initiate measures. There are land holders who are interested. It is hoped they can get the incentives that will support them on their way.”

As per Martin Warren, there is “readily achievable actions” in terms of steps for pollinators which will not decrease crop yields – and might boost it – such as growers creating margins rich in flowers around their farmland.

the EU’s environment commissioner, portrayed the protection status of native bees, butterflies and additional pollinators as “severe”.

“Prompt and unified steps is required to tackle this risk. Along with member countries, the Commission of the European Union has implemented an Europe-wide monitoring system for pollinators based on the EU nature restoration regulation, which will help to track our development. Now, we need to concentrate on application and collaboration with member countries to preserve our pollinators,” she said.

The publication of the bee and butterfly assessments follows the initial European-wide assessment of hoverflies, an additional essential group of pollinators. Issued in 2022, it showed that thirty-seven percent of all hoverfly types in Europe were threatened with extinction.