De begrazingsdruk door herten wordt in Europa en Nederland steeds groter. Herten kunnen de functie en structuur van het ecosysteem aanpassen dat kan leiden in een trofische cascade-effect. De planten worden direct beïnvloed wat een effect heeft op de insecten en daarmee de insectenetende soorten. Bepaalde …

Population size increase at the Balgzand intertidal in the western Dutch Wadden Sea suggested a growth decrease in both plaice and flounder populations over summer. Research into the seasonal growth of 0-group plaice, Pleuronectes platessa, confirmed this suspicion. The years 1995 and 1996 had contrasting …

This study aimed to get more insight into the habitat use and distribution of three sandeel species (Ammodytes sp. & H. lanceolatus) in the Voordelta and describes the findings regarding the Voordelta as a transitional habitat for sandeel populations. As compensation for loss of habitat and foraging …

Exponential population growth has forced many rural inhabitants in the developing countries to move to the cities. According to UN Habitat, in most cases the search for better opportunities is the main motivation to urbanize (2012, p.35). Thousands of new “informal” houses are built every day around …

Urban delta areas require innovative and adaptive urban developments to face problems related with land scarcity and impacts of climate change and flooding. Floating structures offer the flexibility and multi-functionality required to efficiently face these challenges and demands. The impact of these …

Recently, Lévy walks have been put forward as a new paradigm for animalsearch and many cases have been made for its presence in nature. However,it remains debated whether Lévy walks are an inherent behavioural strategyor emerge from the animal reacting to its habitat. Here, we demonstratesignatures …

The Bawean warty pig (Sus blouchi) is an endemic confined to the 192 km2 Bawean island in the Javasea. Due to a lack of quantitative ecological research, population assessments have so far been based solely on interviews with local inhabitants. Hunting and habitat degradation in Bawean’s protected areas …

Posidonia oceanica is a species of seagrass endemic to the Mediterranean Sea where it grows either in patchy patterns or forms extensive meadows, at up to 50m of depth. The species has great ecological and economical value. It provides a habitat and nursing ground for many marine fauna species and fixates …

In de zomer van 2014 is de populatie van de veldmuis dermate groot geworden, dat er sprake is van een veldmuizenplaag (Microtus arvalis) in zuidwest Friesland. Door overbevolking is er te weinig voedsel en woonruimte te vinden in hun natuurlijk habitat, waardoor de veldmuizen naar de graslanden van de …

The European Commission’s Fitness Check exercise, as part of the Better Regulation agenda is a very hot topic at the moment and has already covered six policy areas since 2010. At the moment, a Fitness Check is being performed on the Birds & Habitats Directives, which can be seen as the most controversial …