Alarming Surge in Endangered Non-Managed Bee Types Across European Nations

The total of wild bee species in European nations facing dying out has more than doubled over the past decade, while the total of threatened butterfly has almost doubled.

This dire scenario for crucial pollinating species was disclosed by research studies for the IUCN red list, which found that at least 172 bee varieties out of 1,928 were threatened with extinction in the European continent.

The total of butterflies at risk of extinction in Europe has increased from 37 to 65 since the last study, conducted over a decade past. One type, the large white of Madeira (Pieris wollastoni) has now been confirmed extinct.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal and cultural importance, pollinating species like bees along with butterflies are essential supports for our physical condition, our food chains and our economies – supporting the fruits, vegetables and seeds that sustain us,” said the IUCN’s director general. “The most recent assessments of the European red list reveal major obstacles, with threats increasing for butterfly species and crucial wild bee varieties.”

The causes of the quick recent decreases are the continuing harm or degradation of living environments caused by intensive agriculture and deserted farmland, draining wetlands, excessive grazing by animals, and the application of pesticides and fertilisers including neonicotinoid pesticides. The division of pollinator-friendly habitat greatly increases the threat of local extinctions.

Global warming is also revealed to be a major threat: Over half of all endangered butterfly types in European nations are imperilled by the climate crisis – roughly twice as many as a ten years ago.

Nearly 90% of plants that flower in European nations require animal pollination, as per Dr Denis Michez. “Regrettably, non-managed bee groups are in drastic decline and are not easily replaceable by domesticated hives,” he said. “If wild bees disappear, many non-cultivated plants might be at risk too – of which bloom-filled grasslands and lovely orchid types are just a couple of instances.”

Fifteen types of bumblebees, which have an essential part in fertilizing peas, beans, peanuts and clover, and 14 types of cellophane bee types, known for pollinating trees such as willow trees and red maples, are now listed as threatened. Simpanurgus phyllopodus, a mining bee type unique to the mainland and the sole species of this genus in the European continent, is now evaluated as severely threatened – the research category nearest to extinction in the wild.

Butterflies that are only found on mountain tops are especially at risk to global warming as they must ascend higher as their environments become more heated but eventually have no room left. In southern Spain, the Nevada grayling and the Andalusian anomalous blue butterfly are among above 40 percent of species endemic to Europe (exclusive to Europe) facing extinction.

In the Mediterranean area, species such as the severely threatened grayling of Karpathos are threatened by intense wildfires and drought.

Meanwhile, in the Arctic Circle, global warming is causing the timberline to advance northwards by tens of metres each year, with bushes taking over bog and tundra. Higher temperatures also mean caribou can no longer cross the ice to browse Arctic meadows and keep them open. Eight types of butterflies are facing extinction in this zone, including Freyja’s fritillary butterfly and the ringlet of the Arctic.

“The largest habitat for all these pollinators is grassland rich in flowers and that is declining quickly across European nations because of all these elements,” remarked a lead coordinator for the butterfly assessment. “The positive thing is that so many individuals are concerned now and there’s a lot more awareness. Under the EU’s nature restoration regulation, all member states have to turn around the drop in pollinators by the year 2030, and they are going to have to initiate measures. There are property owners who are engaged. It is hoped they can obtain the incentives that will support them on their way.”

As per Warren, there is “easy opportunities” in terms of steps for pollinators which will not decrease agricultural output – and might boost it – such as farmers developing margins rich in flowers around their fields.

EU commissioner for environment, characterized the preservation condition of non-managed bees, butterfly species and other pollinating insects as “critical”.

“Prompt and unified steps is required to tackle this danger. In collaboration with member states, the Commission of the European Union has implemented an EU-wide monitoring system for pollinating species based on the European Union nature restoration legislation, which will aid in following our development. Now, we need to prioritize application and partnership with member countries to protect our pollinating insects,” she said.

The issuance of the evaluations of bees along with butterflies follows the first EU-wide study on hoverflies, another essential group of pollinators. Published in twenty-twenty-two, it disclosed that thirty-seven percent of all hoverfly species in Europe were at risk of extinction.