the worrying disappearance of European birds

25% of European birds have disappeared. The study, the largest ever carried out on the subject, was conducted in 28 countries on 170 species. “That means 20 million less each year, 800 million for 40 years”, reports the journalist Jean-Christophe Batteria, present, Tuesday, May 16, on the set of 12/13. According to the researchers, the first cause would be agricultural practices through “the intensive use of pesticides, which deprive insectivores of food”, the removal of hedgerows for nesting birds or the exploitation of wetlands. 58% of agricultural birds have disappeared. Rising temperatures are also responsible.

Mediterranean birds are also affected

While bird populations in cold areas are down by 40%, Mediterranean birds are also affected (-18%). Finally, urbanization and pollution are also reducing the number of insects. “For researchers, the situation is extremely serious, but not irreversible, as long as a species has not completely disappeared”, continues the journalist. Some are in great danger with 75% of their population having been decimated, such as the tree sparrow, the stonechat or the farlouse.