European Commission publishes first comprehensive Red List of moths

The European Commission released the first comprehensive European Red List of moths on Monday, highlighting the significant conservation challenges facing this group of pollinators. The report assessed 3,082 moth species across Europe, including 704 endemic species, and 2,828 species within the 27 EU member states. Findings indicate that approximately 12% of these moth species in the EU are currently at risk of extinction.

Cyprus is identified as one of six European nations, alongside Spain, Italy, Greece, France, and Portugal, hosting more than 20 endemic moth species. However, the report notes that for all 27 endemic moth species found in Cyprus, available data remain insufficient to fully evaluate their risk of extinction. This lack of information is a recurring challenge for many of the endemic species documented in the study.

The assessment follows criteria established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). By providing this data, the Commission aims to address the increasing pressures on moth populations, which serve as essential pollinators. While the report establishes a baseline for the status of these insects, further research is required to improve data availability for species classified under the insufficient data category.