Study reveals European conservation policies overlook common species vital to ecosystems
A new analysis shows that EU biodiversity strategies have focused on threatened species while neglecting common birds and butterflies that support ecosystem health.
An international team of 36 scientists from 38 institutions analyzed extensive citizen-science records covering more than 20,000 sites in 26 European countries, focusing on 265 common bird species and 144 common butterfly species. While EU policies like the 2030 biodiversity strategy, the 2030 forest strategy and the Farm to Fork agenda have succeeded in protecting charismatic species such as the royal eagle and the otter, they have largely ignored the ecological conditions of ordinary habitats.
The study links the decline of common birds and butterflies to pressures from intensive farming, climate change, land-use change and forest management. Using scenarios developed by the IPBES and based on the IPCC’s “green pathway” (SSP1), the authors evaluated three visions of nature—intrinsic value, societal benefits, and cultural connections—to assess potential outcomes for common species by 2050.
Why it matters
Ignoring common species could undermine ecosystem services that millions rely on for food and climate regulation.
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