From May 9 to 31, visitors to the 22 national parks in the Netherlands could count plants and animals during the National Parks Species Challenge 2026. Approximately 15,000 observers made nearly 482,000 observations and counted over 7,000 species. These numbers not only reflect the richness of our country's most characteristic natural areas but also show that we can excite both young and old to go outdoors and discover nature.

Visitors searched alone or together with rangers, guides, and other nature enthusiasts for plants and animals in the national parks. They used the ObsIdentify app and Waarneming.nl. The Species Challenge took place in the weeks around May 24: the annual National Park Day. During this period, the parks organized more than 80 activities to experience, discover, and appreciate nature.

Observations

Compared to the Species Challenge 2025, the national parks managed to reach nearly twice as many observers this year. This resulted in nearly 300,000 more observations and 2,000 more species this year. In all national parks, bird species were most counted; for example, in De Maasduinen, the Eurasian golden oriole was counted 852 times, in the Weerribben Wieden, the purple heron 287 times, in De Oosterschelde, the avocet 189 times, and in the Drentsche AA, the yellowhammer 218 times. Observers have their own preferences, and multiple people can count and report the same species. The complete species overview per national park can be found at: National Parks Species Challenge 2026 - Waarneming.nl

Valuable information

The collected data provides valuable information for the national parks. It gives an insight into the various species that grow and live there, and sometimes surprising species emerge. The data is included in a global biodiversity platform. Organizations actively use the data to track the spread of species and climate change, provide early warnings for invasive alien species, monitor disease carriers, and encourage citizen participation. Due to the success, the national parks are considering organizing another Species Challenge next year.