Vervolging van roofvogels in Nederland in 2017

In 2017, persecution in The Netherlands was recorded via autopsies of dead raptors found in the field, and by human-caused nest failures recorded during fieldwork. Poisoning (3x Marsh Harrier, 2x Montagu’s Harrier, 6x Goshawk, 3x Buzzard) as diagnosed as causes of death by the Central Veterinary Institute, usually via poisoned baits. Among the poisons, parathion was identified specifically (once). Human-disturbed nests were recorded 53 times, distributed throughout the country with clear hotspots in Friesland and Zeeland. Marsh Harriers (17x), Goshawks (7x), Sparrowhawk (3x), Buzzards (20x) and Kestrels (6x) were the victims of nest disturbances. Based on a total sample of 3112 raptor nests, and the relative frequency of species-specific nest destruction, it is calculated that at least 366 nests had been disturbed or destroyed in 2017, often intentionally but increasingly as collateral damage caused by management measures (especially in nature reserves), construction and maintenance, and recreational activities.