Worrying Increase in Threatened Wild Bee Species In Europe

The total of native bee types in Europe facing disappearance has over doubled in the last ten years, whereas the total of at-risk butterfly types has nearly doubled.

This dire scenario for vital pollinating species was revealed by scientific studies for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, which established that at least 172 bee varieties out of nearly two thousand were at risk of extinction in European nations.

The number of butterflies threatened with extinction in Europe has increased from over thirty-five to over sixty since the earlier research, conducted over a decade past. A single species, the large white of Madeira (Pieris wollastoni) has now been declared extinct.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal and cultural importance, pollinators like bees along with butterflies are essential supports for our health, our food supplies and our economies – sustaining the fruits, veggies and seeds that nourish us,” commented the IUCN director general. “The newest European red list assessments reveal major obstacles, with risks growing for butterflies and crucial non-managed bee types.”

The factors of the quick recent decreases are the continuing destruction or damage of habitats caused by farming intensification and deserted farmland, draining of wetlands, excessive grazing by animals, and the application of chemical fertilisers and pesticides including neonicotinoids. The division of pollinator-friendly habitat significantly raises the threat of disappearances in specific areas.

Climate change is also shown to be a primary risk: 52% of all at-risk butterfly species in the European continent are imperilled by the climate crisis – roughly double the number as a ten years ago.

Up to nine out of ten of blooming plants in European nations rely on animal pollination, as per Dr Denis Michez. “Unfortunately, wild bee colonies are in severe drop and cannot be easily replaced by managed bee colonies,” he said. “If wild bees disappear, many non-cultivated plants might be in danger as well – of which flower-rich meadows and attractive orchid varieties are just a couple of instances.”

Fifteen species of bumblebee types, which play a crucial role in aiding the pollination of crops such as peas, beans, peanuts and clover, and 14 species of cellophane bee types, recognized for pollinating trees such as willows and red maples, are now classified as threatened. Simpanurgus phyllopodus, a mining bee unique to the European continent and the sole species of this genus group in Europe, is now assessed as severely threatened – the scientific classification closest to disappearance in the wild.

Butterfly species that are only found on mountain tops are especially at risk to global warming as they must ascend higher as their living spaces become more heated but eventually exhaust available space. In southern Spain, the Nevada grayling and the Andalusian anomalous blue are among more than 40% of European endemics (solely present in Europe) threatened with extinction.

In the Mediterranean region, species such as the highly at-risk Karpathos grayling are endangered by severe dry conditions and fires.

At the same time, in the Arctic Circle, climate change is causing the timberline to shift northward by tens of metres each year, with underbrush taking over marsh and tundra. Warmer conditions also mean Arctic deer can not anymore cross the ice to browse northern grasslands and prevent them from overgrowing. 8 butterfly varieties are threatened with extinction in this region, including the fritillary of Freyja and the Arctic ringlet butterfly.

“The biggest living space for all these pollinators is bloom-filled grassy areas and that is disappearing very fast in Europe because of all these factors,” remarked Martin Warren. “The positive thing is that so many people are concerned now and there’s a lot more consciousness. Under the EU’s nature restoration regulation, all participating nations have to halt the decrease in pollinating insects by 2030, and they are going to have to begin taking action. There are landowners who are involved. Let’s hope they can get the motivations that will assist them on their way.”

As stated by the coordinator, there is “easy opportunities” in terms of action for pollinating species which will not lower crop yields – and may enhance it – such as farmers establishing bloom-filled edges around their farmland.

the EU’s environment commissioner, described the protection status of non-managed bees, butterfly species and other pollinating insects as “severe”.

“Urgent and collective action is needed to address this threat. Along with member states, the European Commission has put in place an EU-wide monitoring system for pollinators based on the EU nature restoration law, which will aid in following our progress. Now, we need to focus on implementation and partnership with member countries to safeguard our pollinators,” she said.

The release of the bee and butterfly assessments comes after the pioneering European-wide assessment of hoverflies, another vital group of pollinators. Released in twenty-twenty-two, it revealed that thirty-seven percent of all hoverfly species in Europe were facing extinction.