Even in well-studied organisms, it is often challenging to uncover the social and environmental determinants of fitness. Typically, fitness is determined by a variety of factors that act in concert, thus forming complex networks of causal relationships. Moreover, even strong correlations between social …

The natural value of Dutch sandy beaches has been declining for decades. These relatively unstable, low nutritious, wave-washed environments lack the primary producers that represent the base of the food web. Thus, the sandy beach food web relies almost entirely on nutrient influx of other systems. Beside …

Plastic pollution has increased over the years and this affects especially seabirds which are vulnerable to this type of pollution. A species that is used as indicator species for plastic pollution is the short-tailed shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris). These seabirds belong to the procellariids group …

Rijkswaterstaat has an effort-obligation and result-obligation to take measures to achieve the goals of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) at the Eastern Scheldt and Lake Grevelingen. The WFD aims to achieve and protect a sufficient ecological and chemical status of inland surface waters, transitional …

Due to their high adaptability and opportunistic predation behaviour feral cats have a great impact on worldwide bird biodiversity in particular on islands. However not much is known about their actual behaviour and time budget, as direct behavioural observations often are difficult regarding free-ranging …

The raccoon dog was introduced in Russia and has been moving west ever since. Currently there are populations in: Finland, Poland, Germany and the Baltic countries. There are sightings in Norway, Denmark and Sweden. There is a high possibility that the raccoon dog will settle in the Netherlands. Raccoon …