Researchers in France have found that bird populations are slowly making a comeback after the European Union banned bee-harming pesticides. The ban, which came into effect in 2018, has been linked to a 2-3% increase in insect-eating birds such as blackbirds and chaffinches. This is promising news for conservation efforts, but experts warn that it may take several decades for bird populations to fully recover.
The study, published in the journal Environmental Pollution, analyzed data from over 1,900 sites across France and found that pesticide-treated areas had 12% fewer insectivorous birds than areas with no neonicotinoid use. The results suggest that the ban has made a difference, but more research is needed to understand the extent of the impact.
Other bird species, such as wood pigeons and house sparrows, were less affected by the ban, possibly due to their flexible diets. However, experts caution that habitat and climate factors may also play a role in explaining variations in bird numbers.
The EU’s decision to ban neonicotinoids was influenced by public pressure from citizens, with Frans van Alebeek, policy officer for rural areas at BirdLife Netherlands, stating: “A lot of pressure was necessary to force governments to make this ban.”
The study highlights the importance of long-term monitoring and sustainable farming practices in conservation efforts. Pesticides continue to have a significant impact on bird populations worldwide, particularly in developing countries where restrictions are fewer.
Perrot’s team found that neonicotinoids persist in soils for years, affecting insects even after their use has stopped. This suggests that the recovery of insectivorous birds may take several decades, but the study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of conservation measures.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/17/france-wildlife-insect-bird-numbers-rise-neonicotinoid-pesticide-ban-aoe