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Bird and butterfly populations are declining in the European Union

Eurostat indicates a 15,1% drop in common birds and a 36,5% drop in grassland butterflies since 2000

22.05.2026 | 08:16 (UTC -3)

Cultivar Magazine, based on information from Eurostat.

The population of birds and butterflies will decline in the European Union in 2024, according to data released by the official statistics office of the European Union (Eurostat) this Friday, May 22nd. The survey is part of the monitoring of Sustainable Development Goal 15, focused on terrestrial life and biodiversity conservation.

Populations of common bird species have fallen by 15,1% compared to 2000. The decline was most pronounced among birds common in agricultural areas, where the drop reached 32,1%. Common forest species have begun a slow recovery since 2010, according to Eurostat.

The grassland butterfly index also showed a decline. The indicator tracks the abundance of 17 species. The estimate shows a 36,5% reduction compared to 2000.

Eurostat uses the Common Bird Index and the Grassland Butterfly Index to monitor biodiversity in the European Union. The data forms part of the bloc's regular assessment of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

More information at ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/sdi/database/life-on-land