In two weeks, almost 5000 species counted in National Parks

In the past two weeks, visitors to the 21 national parks in the Netherlands could count plants and animals during the Species Challenge. Nearly 7,000 observers made over 135,000 observations and counted almost 5,000 species. These numbers not only reflect the richness of our country's most characteristic nature areas, but also show that we can inspire both young and old to discover nature. 

Visitors looked for plants and animals in the national parks either alone or together with rangers, guides, and other nature enthusiasts. By spotting birds, identifying plants, and counting insects, we learn to better know and understand the wealth. The data was submitted via the apps ObsIdentify and Waarneming.nl. The Species Challenge took place around May 24: the annual National Park Day that highlights these natural areas and organizes various activities.

Observations

Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park ranks top in the Species Challenge with nearly 1,900 species. The top 3 consist of insect species, followed by bird species like tree pipit and blackcap. There were also special observations. In Oosterschelde National Park, divers made about 500 underwater observations. They saw species like the velvet swimming crab, common cuttlefish (squid), and blue dragon (sea slug). In Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, a bee-eater (colorful bird) was spotted no less than 379 times, while in Nieuw Land National Park, the white-tailed eagle was seen 183 times. Bird species score the best in almost every park; the tree pipit emerges as the most counted species in three parks. Incidentally, the most counted species does not mean that it is also the most common in a National Park. Counters have their own preferences, and multiple people may count and submit the same species. The complete species overview per national park is available on waarneming.nl

Valuable Information

The collected data provides valuable information for the national parks. It gives an overview of the various species that grow and live there; sometimes surprising species emerge. The data is included in a global biodiversity platform. Organizations actively use the data to track the distribution of species and climate change, provide early warnings for invasive alien species, monitor disease vectors, and support citizen participation. 

Most Counted Species per National Park