February 2003

Butterflies in the province of Noord-Holland

Kars Veling

A growing number of interesting butterflies have been observed in the densely populated province of Noord-Holland. In the coastal dunes there is now a favourable habitat for butterflies like the Queen of Spain Fritillary. In the grassland polders the Wall Brown is often seen. The behaviour of these and other species is described. Special attention is given to the reintroduction of the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary in the nature reserve of Ilperveld and the surprising increase of the Green Hairstreak on the island of Texel.

Butterfly and dragonfly observations

Kars Veling & Victor Mensing

Gathering butterfly and dragonfly observation data is an excellent way to gain information about the distribution of different species. Dutch Butterfly Foundation is eager to receive as many observation data as possible. For rare and special species it is important to report the location accurately. This can be done with the aid of ordnance survey maps, internet and recently also with Global Positioning System devices. Correct ways to fill out the recording forms for Dutch Butterfly Foundation are presented.

Not one butterfly less

Kars Veling & Robert Ketelaar

‘Not one butterfly less’ is a project carried out by Dutch Butterfly Foundation from 2000 till 2002. Its aim was to achieve a greater involvement of volunteers and nature wardens in the protection of endangered butterfly species. In areas where endangered grassland butterfly occur, staff members of Dutch Butterfly Foundation spoke with wardens about suitable measures of nature management. On-the-spot advice, survival charts and information booklets proved to be very encouraging. In many cases, “butterfly keepers” were appointed who kept in touch with the wardens and monitored butterfly species in a certain area.