Why Zoo LIFE Pollinators?
The decline of pollinating insects shows no signs of slowing down: 84 % of European agricultural production depends on them. Currently, 9 % of wild bee species, 40 % of syrphid species and more than 480 butterfly species are at risk of extinction. Against this backdrop, Zoo LIFE Pollinators - a project co-funded by the European Union - brings together 16 partners in 9 countries, including zoos, universities and other partner organisations.
Project objectives
Knowledge
Improve information on native wild pollinators and entomophilous plants by insects, through standardised monitoring methodologies and research.
Habitat
Increase the number of pollinators by creating and restoring favourable habitats in and around zoos, such as meadows, green roofs and hedgerows.
Stakeholders
Encourage behavioural change of key stakeholders and involve zoos, NGOs, municipalities and communities in pollinator protection.
Governance
Promote pollinator-friendly strategies and governance models by positioning zoos as active conservation centres within the framework of the LIFE programme.
An innovative partnership
Through Zoo LIFE Pollinators, eight zoos across Europe are working together on an innovative, large-scale initiative that capitalises on their unique strengths: the management of large green spaces in urban and peri-urban areas, the recruitment of highly qualified staff with expertise in biology and conservation, and the ability to reach an audience through educational programmes, awareness-raising campaigns and citizen science projects.
Project figures
We work together to achieve the goals set
81
protected species of syrphids
742
protected lepidopteran species
8
breeding centres in Europe
926
hectares involved in Europe
5'5 mill
of citizens awareness-raising
16 partners in 9 European countries
Zoological facilities, universities and departments from all over Europe, united by biodiversity.
12 beneficiaries
4 associate partners
The transect route
The project uses the Pollard transect methodology, adopted by the European Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (eBMS) for standardised monitoring of butterflies and, more recently, other wild pollinators. This method consists of defining a fixed route of 500 to 1000 metres, which is regularly walked throughout the flight season to record the number and species of individuals observed. Following the recommendations of the European Commission, the methodology has been extended to wild apoids (wild bees) and syrphids to harmonise the monitoring of key pollinating insects. The adoption and harmonisation of a common sampling method across all partner sites is supported by Butterfly Conservation Europe, an associated partner coordinating the eBMS network. In addition to entomological monitoring, Zoo LIFE Pollinators will carry out phytosociological surveys and counts of entomogenous floral units at five fixed points of 4 m² along each partner's transect, in order to assess the status and effectiveness of ecological restoration measures.
