Concerning Surge in Endangered Non-Managed Bee Varieties In Europe

The count of native bee types in the European continent facing disappearance has more than doubled over the past decade, whereas the count of endangered butterfly has nearly doubled.

This critical situation for crucial pollinating insects was revealed by research studies for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, which established that at least one hundred seventy-two bee species out of over 1900 were threatened with extinction in Europe.

The number of butterflies at risk of extinction in the European continent has risen from 37 to 65 since the last study, conducted a decade and a half ago. One type, the Madeiran large white (Pieris wollastoni) has now been classified as extinct.

“Beyond their aesthetic appeal and cultural value, pollinating insects like bees and butterflies are essential supports for our physical condition, our food systems and our economic systems – sustaining the fruits, vegetables and seeds that feed us,” said Grethel Aguilar. “The latest European red list evaluations reveal significant difficulties, with threats increasing for butterfly types and vital native bee varieties.”

The reasons of the quick recent decreases are the persistent harm or degradation of living environments caused by intensive agriculture and abandoned land, draining wetlands, excessive grazing by animals, and the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides including neonicotinoid pesticides. The division of pollinator-friendly habitat significantly raises the risk of local extinctions.

Global warming is also revealed to be a primary risk: 52% of all at-risk butterflies in Europe are endangered by the climate change crisis – about twice as many as a ten years ago.

Up to 90% of flowering plants in the European continent require animal pollination, according to the lead coordinator of the wild bee assessment. “Unfortunately, wild bee populations are in sharp decrease and cannot readily be substituted by managed colonies,” he said. “If wild bees disappear, many native plants might be in danger as well – of which meadows rich in flowers and lovely orchid types are just a few examples.”

Fifteen types of bumblebee types, which perform a vital function in fertilizing peas, beans, peanuts and clover, and 14 species of cellophane bees, famous for aiding tree pollination such as willow trees and red maples, are now classified as threatened. Simpanurgus phyllopodus, a mining bee type found only in the European continent and the sole species of this biological genus in the European continent, is now evaluated as critically endangered – the scientific classification most akin to dying out in natural habitats.

Butterfly types that are solely present on high-altitude areas are particularly vulnerable to global heating as they must ascend higher as their living spaces become warmer but ultimately have no room left. In Spain’s southern region, the Nevada grayling and the Andalusian anomalous blue butterfly are among more than 40% of species endemic to Europe (only found in Europe) facing extinction.

In the Mediterranean region, species such as the critically endangered grayling of Karpathos are endangered by severe dry conditions and fires.

At the same time, in the Arctic region, global warming is causing the timberline to shift northward by tens of metres each year, with bushes taking over bog and tundra. Higher temperatures also mean Arctic deer can no more cross the ice sheets to graze Arctic meadows and keep them open. 8 butterfly varieties are threatened with extinction in this region, including the fritillary of Freyja and the ringlet of the Arctic.

“The biggest habitat for all these pollinating insects is flower-rich grassland and that is vanishing rapidly throughout Europe because of all these elements,” remarked Martin Warren. “The positive thing is that so many citizens are aware now and there’s a lot more consciousness. Under the European Union nature restoration law, all participating nations have to halt the decline in pollinators by 2030, and they are going to have to initiate measures. There are land holders who are engaged. It is hoped they can receive the motivations that will help them on their way.”

As stated by the coordinator, there is “readily achievable actions” in terms of steps for pollinators which will not decrease food production – and may enhance it – such as growers creating margins rich in flowers around their fields.

EU commissioner for environment, portrayed the protection status of native bees, butterflies and additional pollinators as “dire”.

“Prompt and unified steps is needed to tackle this danger. Along with member countries, the EU Commission has implemented an European Union-wide observation system for pollinators based on the EU nature restoration regulation, which will help to track our development. Now, we need to concentrate on execution and partnership with member states to preserve our pollinators,” she said.

The release of the assessments on bees and butterflies comes after the first European-wide assessment of hoverflies, an additional essential pollinator group. Published in twenty-twenty-two, it disclosed that 37% of all hoverfly types in Europe were at risk of extinction.