Pollinator species in Europe are losing territory

An international scientific study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) reveals a significant decline in pollinator species across Europe over the last century. Analyzing more than four million records between 1921 and 2020, researchers found that most wild bee species and approximately half of syrphid flies (flower flies) are progressively losing their geographic distribution areas.

The decline is particularly pronounced in the Atlantic and Continental regions. While species richness has remained relatively stable in some areas, specialist and parasitic species have seen sharp drops. Conversely, species richness in alpine zones has increased, potentially due to warming in high latitudes and mountain areas.

Although researchers emphasize this is not yet a mass extinction, they warn of a complicated future for these essential pollinators. The loss poses risks to both wild plants and agriculture; in the European Union, approximately four out of five crop and wild flower species depend at least partially on animal pollination. This ecological shift carries economic implications, as insect pollination is estimated to contribute nearly 15 billion euros annually to EU agricultural production.