Monitoring meeting plants and reptiles
Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide is committed to preserving the special flora and fauna that characterise the area. Every day, passionate volunteers with extensive knowledge of plants and animals contribute to this. The volunteers meet regularly to evaluate species monitoring and exchange knowledge. While doing so, they also go into the area in search of special species.
Flora of the Grenspark
A meeting of plant monitoring volunteers took place recently in area Wilgenduinen. There they were able to identify several striking plant species such as cricket, white beaked bog, summer grass and little sundew. Plant expert Steven De Saeger shared valuable insights on the use of ObsMapp: an app used to easily enter and transmit observations. At the seepage zone of the Willow Dunes, the group discovered leg break, round sundew and peat moss, among others.
Photos cricket, white beaked bog, bone break: Marc Slootmaekers
Our volunteers tested their skills in management monitoring by virtually demarcating part of the Wilgenduinen and noting plant species by percentage. The result was a striking agreement between their findings, confirming the assessment of their observations. On the way back, not far from De Stapper, one of the volunteers made a remarkable discovery: "red eyedroot," a plant species that had not been observed before in Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide.
In search of smooth snakes
Reptile monitoring volunteers also went out in search of smooth snakes. Here they were accompanied by experts from RAVON, Staatsbosbeheer and Evides. In the "Broederbos", Staatsbosbeheer gave an insight into the area, after which the participants went in search of smooth snakes. With success! Within 15 minutes, the participants found the first specimen, which was carefully studied and measured. After examination, it was confirmed to be a (non-pregnant) female. DNA samples were taken from the skin of the smooth snake, which will contribute to the research on the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola. The snake was quickly released to minimise disturbance. Not much later, they discovered a second female specimen. Again, all measurements were taken. The sighting of two smooth snakes in a short time in a relatively small area is quite extraordinary.
They then explored the Staartse Duinen, where some snake burrows were created last year by the Forestry Commission. Although no snakes were found, they were able to spot a young, non-flying nightjar. At the entrance to the Kortenhoeff nature reserve, they also explored the ecological connection, although no smooth snakes were found.
It is thanks to enthusiastic volunteers that Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide can continue to work on preserving biodiversity and natural values in the area.
Are you interested in helping with monitoring? We are still looking for volunteers monitoring for dragonflies and butterflies (some knowledge required).
If so, please send an e-mail to grenspark