In 2016, persecution in The Netherlands was recorded via autopsies of dead raptors found in the field, and by checking nests for human-caused failures. Poisoning (18x) and shooting (2x) were diagnosed as causes of death by the Central Veterinary Institute. Deliberately disturbed nests were recorded 45 times. Disturbance occurred most often in Friesland and Groningen. Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard were the main victims. Sparrowhawks increasingly nest near human habitation (city parks, cemeteries, and so on) which increases the chance of disturbance. Based on the sample of 3143 raptor nests, and the relative frequency of species-specific nest destruction, it is calculated that at least 384 nests had been disturbed or destroyed in 2016, often intentionally but increasingly as collateral damage caused by management measures (especially in nature reserves), construction and maintenance. This extrapolated total is a minimum, because the causes of many suspect nest failures could not be unequivocally determined.

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De Takkeling

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Werkgroep Roofvogels Nederland

R.G. Bijlsma, & P.W. van Tulden. (2017). Vervolging van roofvogels in Nederland in 2016. De Takkeling, 25(1), 61–66.