Most wild bee species in decline across Europe, say researchers

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 20, 2026

A study covering nearly a century of data found that most wild bee and about half of hoverfly species in Europe have significantly declined, with losses most pronounced outside the Alpine region. This decline threatens pollination services vital to biodiversity and food production, prompting urgent calls for conservation actions during the ongoing UN biodiversity conference.

Most wild bee species and approximately half of hoverfly species across Europe have experienced significant declines over the past century, according to a recent study released as the 17th UN Conference on Biodiversity commenced in Yerevan, Armenia.

The research, which examined records dating back to 1921 and covered 88% of known bee and hoverfly species in Europe, revealed that more species are declining than increasing in all European regions except for the Alpine area. The study found a sustained reduction in species richness in the Atlantic and Continental regions of Europe, while trends in other parts of the continent were mixed or showed some positive signs.

Scientists involved in the study described the ongoing loss of pollinator diversity as a result of the gradual disappearance of sensitive species, coupled with the growing dominance of a smaller number of resilient species. They warned that unless these patterns are addressed, more profound functional disruptions to ecosystems could occur.

Pollinators such as wild bees and hoverflies play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity and supporting food production. Nearly 90% of wild flowering plants and over three-quarters of major global food crops are at least partially dependent on animal pollination. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has emphasized that declines in pollinator populations could trigger widespread consequences, jeopardizing wildlife and reducing ecosystems’ capacity to adapt to climate change and environmental pressures.

Carlos Martínez-Núñez, an ecologist at the Spanish National Research Council and lead author of the study, highlighted that apparent stability in overall species numbers can mask ongoing biodiversity losses. He noted that this “gives us a crucial opportunity to act before further declines occur,” but cautioned that currently thriving species might not maintain their status as climate change and habitat degradation accelerate.

The findings arrive amidst global diplomatic efforts focused on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. The UN biodiversity summit aims to review progress toward international targets that include protecting 30% of terrestrial and marine environments, reforming approximately $500 billion in environmentally harmful subsidies, and restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems worldwide. These measures are seen as vital to safeguarding global biodiversity and ensuring the resilience of natural systems.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.