Today sees the launch of a report on an update of the IUCN European Red List of Butterflies.
Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List is the world’s most comprehensive source on species’ extinction risk. The list offers vital data on population, habitat, threats, and conservation needs and is a crucial tool for guiding biodiversity conservation and shaping environmental policy worldwide.
Here are some key facts and figures from the report:
- 442 species assessed
- 1 is extinct: Pieris wollastoni (the Madeiran Large White) which has not reported since 1986, despite detailed searches for it.
- 28% of European species are threatened or near threatened.
- Increase in species threatened with extinction since the last assessment in 2010 of 73%
- The biggest threats to butterfly populations are habitat loss & degradation and climate change, which echoes the mounting crisis facing all wildlife.
Find out more on the Butterfly Conservation Europe website European Red List of Butterflies 2025
Photo 1: Critically endangered (CR) Nevada Grayling Pseudochazara williamsi in Spain (c) Sam E
Photo 2: Endangered (EN) Odd-spot Blue Turanana endymion in Greece (c) Bill S
Our thoughts
Greenwings was founded by, and is run by, a team of conservationists, with a special interest in butterflies. We sponsor Butterfly Conservation Europe (BCE) specifically to make our own contribution (on behalf of our clients who travel with us) towards their valuable work. This report highlights the need to do more, and BCE is calling for further funding, research and direct action, to save as many threatened species as possible in the challenging years to come.
The statistics paint a grim picture, of an ongoing trend of decline for our butterflies. And with the threats facing them and all nature and biodiversity it’s hard not to feel despair sometimes and to be resigned to a depressing and nature depleted world as the legacy we will leave for our children and grandchildren.
I watched Jane Goodhall’s ‘Famous Last Words’ interview the other day, which was aired following her recent death. Several things she said touched, and resonated with me, including the bit about launching certain Billionaire’s and world leaders on a one-way trip into space! It was her final message to us all which struck home the most…
“Even today, when the planet is dark, there still is hope. Don’t lose hope. If you lose hope, you become apathetic and do nothing”
She continued that message with…
“And if you want to save what is still beautiful in this world – if you want to save the planet for the future generations, your grandchildren, their grandchildren – then think about the actions you take each day. Because multiplied a million, a billion times, even small actions will make for great change.”
I started Greenwings in 2010 from the background of study and a career in nature conservation and as an active volunteer for Butterfly Conservation. I’ve been involved in many different aspects of nature conservation, from physically working on and managing wildlife sites and habitats, to writing and implementing biodiversity policies and informing planning processes for local authorities.
I carried that conservation mindset and ethos with me with to Greenwings and am proud that the company has contributed to conservation in a variety of ways since the very beginning. But maybe we can and should do more, and in some different and new ways…
Whilst as tour operators we focus on seeing and sharing species with our guests, we want that focus to be just as much about saving them too.
That is what I’ll be thinking about in the days and months ahead. Look out for updates and fresh ideas on our news page or in our newsletters.
Matt Berry
Greenwings Director & Founder
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