Publicatieoverzicht

Boekrecensie: Het Prentenboek. René Nauta & Aaldrik Pot 2019. Extra, Vledder, Nederland. 448 blz. ISBN 9789082453812.

Abstract: Red deer (Cervus elaphus) are rare in the Dutch province of Drenthe. Most observations in the past decades were found to be linked to escapes or illegal introductions. In all of those cases, the animals were shot, in accordance with the policy of the province. This article describes a red deer of wild origin, wintering south of Assen in the period December 2018 - May 2019. Intensive surveillance of tracks, combined with camera trapping and analysis of DNA from droppings was conducted to study its home range, behaviour and origin.

Abstract: There is a general concern amongst ecologists about the apparent decline of small mustelids in The Netherlands over the past decades. However, little is known about their actual historic and present numbers. To better understand their ecology and the cause of the decline more research into these small predators is a necessity.

Abstract: On 24 April 2019 the remains of an otter (Lutra lutra) were found on the verge of a road on the island of Sula (Norway). About 95% of skeletal elements were collected. Inspection revealed several recently broken ribs and vertebrae, that may have led to the death of this individual. This paper describes the previously existing skeletal lesions, discusses the most probable cause of death, and attempts to estimate the age of the specimen.

Abstract: The expansion of urban area, accompanied by the development of infrastructure, leads to more fragmented natural living space and isolation of wild populations of plant and animal species, including the badger (Meles meles). Fragmentation enhances the influence of genetic drift in these isolated populations. In order to reconnect fragmented populations, corridors have been implemented as mitigation measures. It is unclear, however, whether these measures fully mitigate the effects of fragmentation.

When I joined Lutra’s editorial team as editor-in-chief in 2002, the journal was in a state of transition. I was following in the footsteps of two outstanding predecessors. A. Scheygrond (1953-1976) and Chris Smeenk (1981-1998) had determined Lutra’s content for many years, and each was very successful in their own way, but it was not now clear which direction the journal should take.

In Europe, centuries-long of overharvesting and hunting of large herbivores and carnivores has resulted in extinctions of large mammals, such as the lynx (Lynx lynx). With the expansion of lynx distributions via recolonisation and reintroduction programmes, it is possible that the lynx will again recolonise the Netherlands. This study identified the most important predictors for lynx habitat suitability in the Netherlands and areas in the Netherlands where the ecological requirements of the lynx are met.

Boekrecensie: De zee-eenhoorn in kaart gebracht. Zee-eenhoorns in woord en beeld in de middeleeuwen en vroegmoderne tijd. M.M. Zijlstra-Mondt 2019. Proefschrift. Universiteit Leiden. 369 pagina’s. ISBN 978-94-6332-431-1.

The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is an invasive species in the Netherlands. Its burrowing habits are alleged to threaten the integrity of the extensive water control infrastructure, posing a public safety hazard in this densely populated, low-lying country. A national control program currently traps and kills tens of thousands of muskrats each year. The costs (annually about € 35M) as well as concerns raised by animal welfare groups have raised questions about whether the control program could be improved, and even whether it is necessary at all.

The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is expanding its range towards Northern and Western Europe. In these parts of Europe, there is a lack of substantial knowledge about this animal’s ecology and habitat requirements. The aim of this study was to determine the potential location and numbers of territories in the Netherlands suitable for the golden jackal. This article uses a literature study to review the habitat requirements of the golden jackal.