The terrestrial biodiversity of the Dutch Caribbean islands, part of our Kingdom, is largely unknown. Through scientific expeditions, monitoring programs, and local education, we strive to map and thus protect this terrestrial biodiversity.
Project summary
The Dutch Caribbean islands have been part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for centuries—the islands of Saba, Bonaire, and Sint Eustatius have even been part of the Netherlands since 2010—but the biodiversity of life on land, especially invertebrates, is very poorly known. This project will improve the mapping of the entomofauna through inventories and expeditions. To monitor biodiversity on the islands, monitoring programs will also be established with the help of the local population.
Relay-expeditionsorganised
In 2022 and 2023, Naturalis organised a first relay-expedition to the Leeward island of Bonaire. Teams of researchers with different specialisations successively traveled to the same area, by studying both their own insect groups and general sampling methods. This ensured that as many different insect groups as possible were sampled over a longer period. Following the success of this expedition, a second relay-expedition was launched to the Windward island of Saba.
Because the flora of the Windward Islands, in particular, is still poorly understood, it is being mapped. This also offers the opportunity to study the relationship between flora and fauna.
To increase local knowledge of flora and fauna, various activities are being organised, including lectures and excursions. This also raises awareness among the population about the value and challenges of local biodiversity.
Projectdeliverables
The 2022-2023 Bonaire Relay-Expedition increased the number of known invertebrates from Bonaire from 168 to 776. This was published in a themed issue of Nederlandse Faunistische Mededelingen (Dutch Faunistic Reports, report in Dutch). Several of these species are new to science and have been—or will soon be—officially described and named.
The Saba expedition took place in the fall and winter of 2024-2025, and the results are currently being processed. These will also be published, at least in an annotated checklist.
During both relay-expeditions, dozens of lectures, excursions, and workshops were given for both school classes and the general public. This has led to increased local knowledge—and thus appreciation—of the flora and fauna.
DNA samples were taken from a large number of collected species. For many of these, these are the very first DNA data known. This DNA data is not only useful for further research into the biodiversity of the Dutch Caribbean but also for global research.
Several field guides and identification materials may be developed within this project. Examples include a flora for the Windward Islands, a field guide for bees or hoverflies, or a key to identifying beetles.
The monitoring programs to be established will have to be carried out by trained local staff.
Who workon this project?
Partners:
Sea and Learn Foundation, Nederlandse Entomologische Vereniging, Wageningen University, Public Entity Saba & Michiel Boeken
Our team:
Wim Klein, André van Proosdij, Wil van den Hoven, Rick Buesink & Ron Felix
Moreinformation
Critter Quest van Sea and Learn on how residents can measure
Vroege Vogels uitzending about the first results of the expedition (in Dutch)
Themanummer van Nederlandse Faunistische Mededelingen about these Bonaire expeditions (in Dutch)