A new update to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ reveals a sharp increase in the number of European bee and butterfly species now facing extinction risk. The European-level assessment, funded by the European Commission, re-evaluates multiple species groups for the first time in over a decade, including bees, butterflies, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, freshwater fishes, molluscs, dragonflies and saproxylic (wood-dependent) beetles.

According to the most recent findings, around 10% of wild bee species in Europe (out of 1,928 examined) are currently deemed threatened with extinction, up from 77 species in 2014. Bumblebees and cellophane bees, which are essential for pollinating crops and wild plants, are among the most vulnerable. The new study also reveals that 15% of European butterflies fear extinction, a 76% increase from the previous assessment in 2010. The latest findings show that an estimated 10% of wild bee species in Europe (out of 1,928 assessed) are now considered threatened with extinction, compared to 77 species in 2014. Bumblebees and cellophane bees, which are essential for pollinating crops and wild plants, are among the most vulnerable. The new study also reveals that 15% of European butterflies fear extinction, a 76% increase from the previous assessment in 2010.

Habitat loss caused by intensive agriculture and land-use change remains the primary threat to these species. Many pollinators rely on flower-rich meadows and traditionally managed rural environments, which are declining across Europe. Pesticide use, nitrogen pollution, and the effects of climate change, including extended droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires, all put additional strain on pollinator populations.  

This new assessment underscores the need for urgent, coordinated conservation measures to reverse pollinator decline. The findings contribute directly to the EU’s New Deal for Pollinators and help track progress towards the pollinator-related targets under the Nature Restoration Regulation.

The assessment of European wild bees was coordinated by Dr Denis Michez of the University of Mons, who also leads PollinERA’s sister project WildPosh. Both projects work towards strengthening scientific understanding of pollinator health and advancing tools and strategies to better protect Europe’s pollinators.

Find out more in this press release.