How many species are there in the Netherlands? And how are they faring? On Thursday 21 May, Naturalis will publish the first edition of the Status Report Dutch Biodiversity. A complete overview of Dutch nature.
All speciescompiled
For the second time, we will present a report that summarises data on the more than 47,000 species in our country: the Status Report Dutch Biodiversity. It contains information collected by thousands of people – scientists and volunteers from Dutch species organisations – over the course of decades. It was written by more than thirty experts from Naturalis and other institutions and published by Naturalis. You could say that Dutch nature data was just as fragmented as nature itself.
We desperatelyneed nature
NB: video is in Dutch. You can turn on automatic subtitles.
Why is this report important? Scientific director Koos Biesmeijer of Naturalis explains it in this video.
From mossto mouse
The result: the best overview of biodiversity ever: small, large, from mice to moss, from fungi to sea snails and hoverflies. This is important because currently only 6 to 7 per cent of the species found in the Netherlands are represented in policy. This means that as a country, you do not have a complete picture of biodiversity, and therefore you do not see when or where it is rapidly declining.
The 2026 edition focuses on marine life. In the Wadden Sea, North Sea and the Caribbean Sea. New for this edition are chapters about nature in the Caribbean parts of the Dutch Kingdom.
Targetsare out of reach
So what is the status of biodiversity in the Netherlands? The 2026 edition highlights some glimmers of hope: the North Sea and surface waters are becoming cleaner. The population of breeding birds and moths is increasing, and seagrass has returned to the Wadden Sea. While the total area of nature in the Netherlands is expanding, it is not happening fast enough to meet the agreements set for 2027.
Several other so-called "nature targets" remain out of reach. Many species are not recovering well enough to meet policy objectives; only 22% of the species listed in the Habitats Directive are doing well. The causes of these environmental issues vary—ranging from nitrogen and habitat fragmentation to pesticides and more—but they frequently reinforce one another.
New opportunities
However, the report is also optimistic, Biesmeijer emphasises: There are also species that are doing well, such as seals, otters and white-tailed eagles. ‘The report shows that if you do something to restore nature, it works – and that we know what we need to do.’ Species that need clean water, such as mayflies and frogs, benefit from measures to improve surface water quality. Wetland birds have benefited from nature development projects, often in combination with the building of water storage facilities.
Specialresponsibilities
While the first report highlighted the under-studied species of the Netherlands, the 2026 Status Report takes an even broader look at Dutch nature, and also includes the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
Nature is also under pressure there, and a greater effort is required to achieve environmental targets. There are two additional responsibilities at stake here: first, the region is home to several unique species, such as the Bonaire Palm and the Aruba Island Rattlesnake. If these species are lost on their respective islands, they will become extinct globally. Furthermore, while the state of the coral is dramatic, it is even worse elsewhere in the Caribbean. The reefs surrounding these islands are therefore essential as an 'ark', serving as a source to help restore coral populations near other islands.
Ordera copy
The report is intended for (Dutch) nature professionals and policymakers. It can be read and downloaded via the links above. There's only a limited number of English copies available, but if you would like to order a physical copy, please send an email to Communicatie@naturalis.nl with your name, organisation, and postal address.
How can I contributeto biodiversity research?
You too can contribute to a better understanding of biodiversity! It starts with a love of nature and understanding what there is to see. Young people can join organisations such as JNM and NJN. For adults, there are local nature organisations, the KNNV and IVN. Even more accessible: anyone with a smartphone can download the Obsidentify app and make observations supported by Naturalis' AI species recognition.
Most of the data in this report comes from various species organisations in the Netherlands. For every group – mushrooms, plants, mosses, insects, reptiles, you name it – there is a club of enthusiasts, and they welcome volunteers with open arms.
More informationabout our biodiversity research
ARISE: knowing Nature in the Netherlands
eDentity: a national eDNA infrastructure
THRIVE Toolset for Hierarchical Reporting and Insightful Validation of Ecosystems
Archiefeerdere rapporten
De oude Statusrapporten zijn hier nog te lezen: