The average geographical range surpassed that recorded in 1970, after falling by nearly 50 per cent between 1970 and 1994.

Meanwhile, the geographical range of the average bee has fallen by a quarter, with habitat loss and pesticides believed to be important causes.

It has also broadened its geographical range to encompass coastal and market towns, which often struggle to attract graduates who would mostly rather live in big cities.

Mayflies and mosses have led a fightback by wildlife, with hundreds of species of insects and plants increasing their geographical range over the past half century.

As the climate changes from step to step in a simulation, the geographical range of a species (its location on the map) may be fragmented by unsuitable climate.