A new conservation assessment reveals that wild bees and butterflies in Europe face increasing extinction risks, stressing the urgency for their protection due to their crucial role in pollination.
- The latest assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature indicates an alarming increase in species at risk, including nearly 100 more wild bee species in Europe.
- Threats to these essential pollinators, such as agricultural practices, pollution, and climate change, jeopardize not only bee populations but also food production and natural ecosystems.
- The IUCN Red List now highlights the plight of various Lepidoptera, underlining the critical role these insects play in pollination and the urgent actions needed to safeguard their future.
Why It Matters
The decline of wild bees and butterflies in Europe symbolizes a broader environmental crisis, impacting biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Protecting these species is vital for sustaining ecosystems and food security.