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Kruibeke (Eurotoday) – Volunteers from Regional Landscape Schelde-Durme have carried out a detailed study of a pond in Kruibeke, offering valuable insights into the state of local water bodies. This collaborative initiative between the municipalities of Beveren, Kruibeke, Zwijndrecht, and local volunteers highlights community engagement in preserving regional biodiversity.
Working closely with the municipalities, volunteers completed an in-depth ecological survey of the Kruibeke pond, providing updated data on biodiversity for nature enthusiasts and conservationists. Their observations revealed a thriving underwater ecosystem, including the remarkable discovery of the rare crested newt, a species increasingly threatened across Flanders. This project underscores the region’s ongoing commitment to aquatic habitat monitoring and conservation efforts aimed at protecting both common and endangered species.
Kruibeke and neighboring Temse boast hundreds of ponds, which are bustling with aquatic life just beneath the surface.
“In the past, it was often too wet to practice agriculture on those plots,” explains Tobi De Man of Regional Landscape Schelde-Durme.
“As a result, the soil at the edges of the fields rose toward the center, creating a convex agricultural landscape. Corner wells or small ponds developed in the lower areas, connected by canals to form a vast aquatic network,” he continues.
Recognizing the vital linkage between these pools for underwater ecosystems, De Man highlights the importance of preservation efforts. “We are working closely with farmers to maintain these ponds, even providing financial rewards to ensure their continual stewardship,” he says.
Historically, these ponds served multiple purposes such as providing fish and drinking water for livestock.
To better understand the dynamics of these habitats, Regional Landscape Schelde-Durme inventories the ponds annually. This morning, volunteers assembled at farmer Victor’s property in Kruibeke. “We set traps in the water overnight and retrieved them in the morning to examine the aquatic life.”
The findings were encouraging, says De Man. “We discovered about 20 small newts and, notably, the rare crested newt. This species has become scarce in Flanders — without our interconnected network of ponds, it would struggle to survive here.”
Other species found include pool frogs, water beetles, aquatic bugs, and stick insects. “These ponds are truly thriving environments,” De Man concludes.
“If these ponds were to vanish, so would the aquatic life they nurture. They serve as critical sanctuaries for many species that otherwise would not survive naturally, so it’s essential to maintain and even create new ones.”
Farmer Victor welcomed the attention focused on his pond. “It’s nice that people are talking about something other than cows around here,” he joked. “I knew there was life in the pond, but seeing so many different species firsthand gives me even greater respect for it.”
Why is the preservation of ponds crucial for regional biodiversity?
The ponds in Kruibeke, along with others across the region, are essential habitats for water-dwelling species that have few other refuges. The destruction of these small ecosystems would wipe out entire aquatic communities, including the rare crested newt, pool frogs, and countless invertebrates. Moreover, the network of linked ponds permits genetic mixing among species populations, reducing the problems associated with inbreeding and helping ensure long-term survival.
Sustaining and expanding the network of ponds, alongside promoting plant diversity-friendly landscape practices, is key to supporting both common and rare species. Collaborations with local farmers are a prime example of shared environmental responsibility, transitioning former agricultural practices into conservation efforts.
The findings from the inventory not only guide conservation strategies but also raise public awareness of the environmental value of these overlooked natural habitats.
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Eurotoday is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. Eurotoday publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, Eurotoday covers EU policies and politics, major developments in Member States, and assesses global events through a European lens.
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