Verspreiding beekprik en rivierdonderpad in de Veluwse beken en impact van recente droge jaren

Binnen Nederland vormen de Veluwse beken en sprengen zeer belangrijk leefgebied voor beekprik (Lampetra planeri) en rivierdonderpad (Cottus perifretum). Tot voor kort was er geen goed beeld van het voorkomen van beide soorten in deze beken. In het voorjaar van 2018 is in opdracht van provincie Gelderland en waterschap Vallei en Veluwe een uitgebreide inventarisatie uitgevoerd naar de verspreiding en populatie-omvang van beide soorten in de beken die binnen de begrenzing van het Natura 2000-gebied Veluwe vallen. Om de gevolgen van de grootschalige droogval van beken in 2018 te onderzoeken, is deze inventarisatie tot en met 2024 jaarlijks in een deel van de beken herhaald en zijn er ook extra beektrajecten meegenomen. Distribution of brook lamprey and river bullhead in the streams on the Veluwe and the impact of extreme droughts in recent years Within the Netherlands the streams and springs on the Veluwe provide important habitats for two species listed in the EU Habitats Directive: the brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) and the river bullhead (Cottus perifretum). Prior to 2018, little was known about their population sizes and distribution in these areas. That year, a comprehensive survey mapped their distribution, population sizes, and the habitat quality in all 24 streams within the Veluwe Natura 2000 site. Parts of the survey were repeated annually through 2024 to monitor the e!ects of extreme droughts, especially in 2018 and 2022, which caused significant drying of streams. Historically, these species have been present in the Veluwe’s clear, fast flowing streams for a long time (the first records date back to the late 19th century). The region’s ecological significance led to its designation as a Natura 2000 site in 2014, with the aim to improve habitat quality and species population size. However, large-scale droughts in recent years have posed severe threats, particularly important sections of streams running dry. Measures such as fish relocation were implemented to mitigate these impacts. Monitoring through 2024 shows that while populations have been a!ected by drought, both species have shown resilience, with larval populations stable across many monitored streams. However, the long-term e!ects of climate extremes, such as future droughts, remain a significant concern for the survival of these species. Strategies are now focused on enhancing habitat quality in the most resilient streams to ensure the survival of these vulnerable species.