Zoo LIFE Pollinators
Why Zoo LIFE Pollinators?
The decline in pollinator insect populations shows no signs of slowing down: 84% of European agricultural production depends on them. Currently, 9% of wild bee species, 40% of hoverfly species, and more than 480 butterfly species are threatened with extinction.
In response to this serious situation, the Zoo LIFE Pollinators project was created, co-financed by the European Union. The initiative brings together 16 partners from 9 European countries, including zoos, universities, and other professional organizations.
Project Objectives
Knowledge
To expand knowledge of native wild pollinators and insect-pollinated plants through standardized monitoring methods and scientific research.
Habitat
To increase pollinator populations by creating and restoring favorable habitats within and around zoo environments, including grasslands, green roofs, and hedgerows.
Stakeholder Engagement
To raise awareness among key stakeholders and actively involve zoos, NGOs, local authorities, and local communities in pollinator conservation efforts.
Governance and Strategy
To promote pollinator-friendly management models and strategies by strengthening the role of zoos as active conservation centers within the framework of the LIFE Programme.
Innovative collaboration
Within the framework of Zoo LIFE Pollinators, eight European zoos are working together on a large-scale, innovative initiative. The collaboration builds on the unique strengths of zoos: the management of urban and peri-urban green spaces, highly qualified professionals with biological and conservation expertise, and the ability to reach a wide audience through educational programs, awareness campaigns, and citizen science projects.
The project in numbers
We work together to achieve the set goals
16 partners from 9 European countries
Zoos, universities, and professional institutions across Europe, together for biodiversity.
12 beneficiary partners
ZOOM Torino
Leading partner
Project management and coordination / Communication and stakeholder relations
Nordens Ark
Leading partner
Habitat restoration and pollinator-specific interventions
Copenhagen Zoo
Leading partner
Pollinator conservation activities
Zagreb Zoo
Leading partner
Educational and citizen science programs
UNITO DBIOS e DISAFA
Leading partner
Sustainability, results utilization and dissemination
Smart Revolution
Leading partner
Monitoring and evaluation
Fondazione ZOOM
Environmental education, transect monitoring, stakeholder engagement
Slottsskogens Zoo
Habitat restoration, environmental education, transect monitoring
Brasov Zoo
Habitat restoration, environmental education, transect monitoring
Oasis Wildlife
Research and cultivation of native plant species, habitat restoration, environmental education, transect monitoring
Zoo Debrecen
Habitat restoration, environmental education, transect monitoring
UNIZG – Agriculture
Applied ecological and habitat management expert partner, transect monitoring
4 associated partners
- Chekipa Fundacion
- Associazione Lepidotterologica Italiana
- Stichting Butterfly Conservation Europe
- The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
The transect walk method
The project applies the Pollard transect methodology, which is used by the European Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (eBMS) for standardized monitoring of butterflies – and more recently other wild pollinators. The method involves designating a fixed route 500–1000 meters long, which is regularly walked during the flight season, recording the number and species of observed individuals. Based on the recommendations of the European Commission, the method has been extended to wild bees (Apoidea) and hoverflies to ensure consistent data collection for key pollinator groups. The introduction and harmonization of the common monitoring methodology is supported by Butterfly Conservation Europe, the coordinating partner of the eBMS network. In addition to entomological surveys, the project also conducts plant community surveys and counts insect-pollinated floral units at five fixed 4 m² sample points along each transect to assess the effectiveness of habitat restoration.
Wild Pollinator Groups We Protect
Wild Bees (Apoidea)
Order: Hymenoptera
(Hymenoptera)
Hoverflies
Order: Diptera
(Diptera)
Butterflies and Moths
Order: Lepidoptera
(Lepidoptera)