Flora and Fauna
The landscape of the Biesbosch is very diverse. The Biesbosch is home to a rich variety of animal and plant species, both on land and in wet areas. The beaver, the largest rodent in Europe, is the icon of the national park. The Biesbosch is home to more than 300 beavers. It’s also possible to see deer and foxes here. Thanks to its lush woodland and the presence of many prey animals, there are plenty of nesting sites for birds such as the goshawk, sparrowhawk, buzzard and marsh harrier. The wetland region also offers favourable breeding conditions for less common birds of prey, such as the white-tailed eagle and the osprey. The reed beds provide an ideal habitat for songbirds, such as the reed warbler, sedge warbler, reed bunting and Cetti’s warbler. The kingfisher and bluethroat are also resident bird species here.
The characteristic flora of the Biesbosch is a result of the moist conditions here. The withy-beds are home to plant species such as enchanter’s nightshade, loosestrife, orange jewelweed and touch-me-not balsam. The huge Himalayan balsam generates a real jungle of pink flowers. The araneosa, a subspecies of the marsh marigold, comes from mid-April to mid-May into flower. This plant is rare and specific to fresh water tidal zones.
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Flora
Much of the Biesbosch is covered by water and is therefore lush with sedges and reed beds. A common plant is the marsh marigold, which blooms in the spring. This member of the buttercup family has adapted to the tidal movements. In the willow forests you can find many plants such as stinging nettles, orange balsam, yellow iris, cow parsley, hogweed, enchanter’s nightshade and amaranths growing luxuriantly. The Himalayan Balsam provides a real jungle-like atmosphere. Its pink flowers have a characteristic sweet fragrance.
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Fauna
The various moist and wet parts of the Biesbosch are host to many unusual plants and animals, such as diverse species of water, reed and meadow birds. Kingfishers and bluethroats are important nesting birds. You can also come across great and little egrets nearly everywhere. The abundant plant growth provides for a rich population of insects, with unusual beetles, dragonflies, crickets, moths and butterflies.
The Biesbosch is also home to deer and foxes. Thanks to the increase in small mammals, the numerous geese, and the excellent fish stocks, more birds of prey, such as the osprey and white-tailed eagle have arrived in this area and also breed here.
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Beaver
The beaver is the figurehead of the Biesbosch. About 300 beavers live in over 100 lodges in the area. Beavers are herbivores and their preferred diet consists of tree bast, twigs and willows. The signs of their gnawing are visible throughout the area. The Biesbosch is also home to deer and foxes. Thanks to the increase in small mammals, the numerous geese, and the excellent fish stocks, more birds of prey, such as the osprey and white-tailed eagle have arrived in this area and also breed here.