Scientists have mapped the distribution of bumblebees in Europe and created a predictive map that can be used to monitor and mitigate bumblebee decline.
The recent decline in plant and crop pollination represents a threat to ecosystems and agriculture.
The predictive map created by scientists from the JRC and Status and Trends of European Pollinators (STEP) project could serve as a monitoring tool for farming professionals and policymakers, with the ultimate goal of preserving pollinators.
STEP and JRC scientists mapped the distribution of the 47 most common bumblebee species, which are known to be important pollinators due to their distinctive physical characteristics such as body size, hair and strength.
This led to the creation of 47 maps based on environmental land data, climate statistics and field observations.
Experts can use the maps to assess the distribution of bumblebees across the EU and predict potential areas of decline for each species.
Most species are currently located in central Europe.