Herintroductie hamster in Zuid-Limburg (t2) (BO-11-011.01-073)

The survival of the European hamster in Netherlands and elsewhere is critical. The Netherlands is obliged by the EU Habitat-directive to protect the species. Hence, animals are bred since 2002 for supplementary placement in core survival areas, for the purpose of improving genetic diversity (avoiding inbreeding). The current project is aimed to facilitate the annual release of breeding program progeny into the wild. In accordance with the guidelines of the IUCN this reintroduction is accompanied by research on establishment and survival. This is done by radio tracking, and intensive field inventories in the region.