Meet the nocturnal animals of Utrecht Science Park
At Utrecht Science Park (USP) the aspiration is to illuminate only what is necessary, when it鈥檚 necessary and with no more than necessary. In relation to biodiversity, this contributes to animal health and the quality of nature. In the USP, this also attracts animals that go out especially at night. Are you curious to find out which animals this regards? Marijke van Kuijk, associate professor of Tropical Forest Ecology at the Department of Ecology & Biodiversity, tells us more about it.
In collaboration with colleague Merel Soons (professor of Plant Dispersal Ecology & Nature Conservation), who is committed to the preservation of biodiversity in the Netherlands and also at USP, Marijke led a research project, exploring which animals are present at USP during the night. We are interested to know which animals consume the vegetation present at USP, so that we know which sections of land should be preserved or enlarged. Our presumption is that USP acts as an important link between Amelisweerd and Landgoed Oostbroek
, says Marijke.
Our presumption is that USP acts as an important link between Amelisweerd and Landgoed Oostbroek.
Research results
By using twelve cameras, specifically suited for recording wildlife, a better understanding has been obtained. The cameras, reacting to movement, were placed out of sight of people, hidden in bushes that presumably attract animals. Animal species that have been spotted this time, include roe deer, foxes, stone martens, buzzards, hares and badgers were spotted, among others. In the light of the desired biodiversity recovery in the USP, these results are interpreted as very positive.
Bachelor students participating in the study, place cameras each spring and fall, and subsequently analyse the photos from the past season. In a couple of weeks, a report on this past spring will come out and therefore it鈥檚 too early to detect any potential relevant trends at this point in time. Something that is clear already, is that none of the animals spotted actually live in these bushes, but instead appear to be on their way to their next destination. Also, on multiple occasions, a fox was spotted around half an hour after the hare. He is just a little too late each time.
I think a lot of people are not aware of the animals that prowl USP at night, in those bits of green that the campus has.
What does this mean for USP?
I think a lot of people are not aware of the animals that prowl USP at night, in those bits of green that the campus has. What we should be doing as Utrecht 木瓜福利影视, is making sure that enough space is left for this wildlife, for example by planting more bushes and trees. We should also make sure that there are sufficient passages for animals, and that these are not obstructed by fences. We should try to preserve the natural areas that we have, but I would also like to see more large natural areas with large plants
, says Marijke.
Additional information
Are you interested to know more about biodiversity at Utrecht 木瓜福利影视? Check out the university's Biodiversity page for more information, or contact Dorinne Raaimakers, Project Leader Biodiversity.
They may be small, but there are more natural areas than you think at Utrecht Science Park. Check out the Green Signpost page of the Green Office, indicating where you can find these spaces.
