A new IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ assessment now classifies an additional 100 European wild bee species as threatened, with more than 20% of species in certain groups at risk of extinction. The number of threatened butterfly species in Europe has also increased by a troubling 76% over the past decade.
This is the first European-level assessment for the IUCN Red List since the early and mid-2010s. It covers many species groups, including bees, butterflies, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, freshwater fishes and others, and is funded by the European Commission. Safeguard partner, Dr Denis Michez from the University of Mons, led the evaluation of European wild bee populations.
Alarming trends in pollinator populations across Europe
The results reveal that 10% of wild bees in Europe – or at least 172 out of 1,928 assessed species – are now at risk of extinction. The number has more than doubled since the previous assessment in 2014, when 77 species were classified as threatened. At the time, 57% of wild bee species were considered Data Deficient - a percentage now reduced to 14%.
Meanwhile, 15% of European butterflies face an extinction risk – 65 out of 442 assessed species. 40% of butterflies found only in Europe are either threatened or close to being so. One species unique to Madeira, the Madeiran large white (Pieris wollastoni), has now been declared officially Extinct.
Understanding the reasons behind pollinator decline
The main threat to European wild pollinators remains habitat loss. Since many species depend on traditional rural landscapes, the intensification of agriculture and forestry has led to severe habitat loss, which directly impacts pollinator survival. Widespread pesticide use also has a significant impact.
Climate change is another major factor. Rising heat, drought, and wildfires are destroying butterfly habitats in southern Europe and threatening bog and tundra environments in Alpine and Boreal regions.
Safeguard’s role in reversing the numbers
Given these trends, the Safeguard project’s objective to reverse the loss of wild pollinators is more important than ever. By advancing research and improving monitoring, Safeguard’s work – combined with the latest IUCN data – can help guide EU policy and promote effective conservation measures.
Explore the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ here.