New advice on invasive species comes as wildlife damage exceeds �92 million

NEWS

POLICY & LEGAL

Heleen Kommers, Wednesday 24 June 2026

86 sec

Animals are causing increasing levels of damage, but how should the Netherlands respond?

The Dutch Council on Animal Affairs (RDA) argues in its report '(Raccoons) on the Road' for a different approach to invasive alien species. According to the council, the Netherlands should place much greater emphasis on prevention and early detection of non-native animal species. The advice is also relevant for municipalities and land managers, who increasingly have to deal with animal species that affect the management, design and use of public spaces.

Watercourses affected by the American crayfish, tree damage caused by beavers, and a rose-ringed parakeet in a Dutch setting... (Illustrative image generated with AI)

According to the RDA, the Netherlands often intervenes only after an invasive species has already become established and spread. This leads not only to higher costs but also to complex discussions about control measures, animal welfare and responsibilities.

The Netherlands often intervenes only after an invasive species has already become established

The council therefore advocates an approach that focuses more on preventing problems. This includes improved monitoring, early detection and a clearer division of responsibilities between government bodies and other stakeholders. According to the RDA, prevention is often more effective and less costly than intervening once a species has become widespread.

Increasingly becoming a management challenge

For municipalities, land managers and green professionals, animal-related issues are increasingly becoming part of daily operations. Invasive species such as the American crayfish are causing problems in banks and waterways in various locations. Other non-native species are also appearing more frequently in both urban and rural environments.

The discussion reflects a broader development. Governments are investing in biodiversity and nature-inclusive management, while at the same time facing new questions about damage, nuisance and management. When is intervention necessary? And who is responsible for it?

Prevention is often more effective and less costly than intervening once a species has become widespread

Figures show growing impact

New figures from BIJ12 also show that wildlife management is becoming an increasingly significant societal challenge. In 2025, Dutch provinces paid out more than �92 million in wildlife damage compensation, 18 percent more than a year earlier. The number of compensation claims has more than doubled over the past decade. Most of the damage was caused by geese and other waterfowl.

With its new advice on invasive species, the RDA aims to broaden the debate. According to the council, early action is essential to prevent new species from developing into costly and difficult-to-manage problems. As a result, the discussion affects not only nature management but also the day-to-day work of municipalities and other public space managers.

Animals are increasingly becoming part of the day-to-day management of public spaces

This article was previously published on 22 June 2026 on the Stad + Groen website.

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