Concerning Increase in Endangered Native Bee Varieties Across Europe

The number of native bee types in Europe facing disappearance has more than doubled during the previous ten-year period, whereas the number of threatened butterfly types has nearly doubled.

This pressing issue for crucial pollinating species was revealed by scientific studies for the IUCN red list, which found that at least one hundred seventy-two bee varieties out of 1,928 were at risk of extinction in the European continent.

The total of butterfly types at risk of extinction in the European continent has grown from thirty-seven to 65 since the previous assessment, performed 14 years ago. One type, the large white of Madeira (Pieris wollastoni) has now been declared extinct.

In addition to their beauty and cultural significance, pollinators like bees and butterflies are essential supports for our well-being, our food supplies and our economic systems – maintaining the fruits, vegetables and seeds that nourish us,” said Grethel Aguilar. “The most recent assessments of the European red list reveal serious challenges, with threats mounting for butterfly types and essential native bee varieties.”

The factors of the rapid recent declines are the persistent destruction or damage of habitats caused by farming intensification and abandoned land, draining of wetlands, excessive grazing by animals, and the use of fertilisers and pesticides including neonicotinoid chemicals. The division of environments suitable for pollinators substantially boosts the danger of disappearances in specific areas.

Global heating is also demonstrated to be a major threat: 52% of all threatened butterfly types in the European continent are threatened by the climate emergency – roughly twofold the amount as a decade ago.

As many as nine out of ten of plants that flower in European nations require animal pollination, as per the wild bee assessment’s lead coordinator. “Sadly, wild bee populations are in drastic decline and are not easily replaceable by managed colonies,” he said. “If non-managed bees vanish, many native plants might be threatened too – of which bloom-filled grasslands and attractive orchid varieties are just a handful of illustrations.”

15 varieties of bumblebee types, which perform a vital function in aiding the pollination of crops such as peas, beans, peanuts and clover, and 14 species of cellophane bee types, known for fertilizing trees such as willow trees and red maples, are now listed as threatened. Simpanurgus phyllopodus, a mining bee found only in the continent and the only species of this genus group in European nations, is now classified as critically endangered – the scientific classification closest to dying out in natural habitats.

Butterfly species that are only found on high-altitude areas are particularly vulnerable to global warming as they must ascend higher as their habitats become warmer but ultimately have no room left. In Spain’s southern region, the Nevada grayling and the anomalous blue of Andalusia are among more than 40% of species endemic to Europe (exclusive to Europe) at risk of extinction.

In the Mediterranean area, types such as the severely threatened grayling of Karpathos are imperilled by severe wildfires and drought.

At the same time, in the Arctic Circle, global warming is causing the tree line to advance northwards by tens of metres each year, with bushes invading bog and tundra. Hotter climates also mean reindeer can not anymore cross the ice sheets to feed on Arctic meadows and prevent them from overgrowing. Eight types of butterflies are at risk of extinction in this zone, including the fritillary of Freyja and the ringlet of the Arctic.

“The greatest habitat for all these pollinators is flower-rich grassland and that is declining quickly throughout European nations because of all these factors,” stated Martin Warren. “The good news is that so many people are aware now and there’s a lot more understanding. Under the EU nature restoration legislation, all member states have to turn around the drop in pollinating species by 2030, and they are going to have to start doing something. There are land holders who are engaged. Let’s hope they can get the incentives that will support them on their way.”

According to Warren, there is “readily achievable actions” in terms of action for pollinators which will not decrease crop yields – and may enhance it – such as agricultural producers developing bloom-filled edges around their farmland.

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

“Prompt and unified steps is necessary to tackle this threat. Together with member countries, the EU Commission has put in place an EU-wide tracking system for pollinators based on the European Union nature restoration legislation, which will aid in following our development. Now, we need to focus on implementation and collaboration with member states to safeguard our pollinators,” she said.

The issuance of the assessments on bees and butterflies is subsequent to the first European-wide study on hoverflies, another vital pollinator group. Issued in 2022, it disclosed that 37% of all hoverfly species in the European continent were threatened with extinction.