A few years ago, The Netherlands already had the malaria mosquito. It is also expected that other foreign bugs will find its way to The Netherlands. E.g. the black widow spider. Although these spiders will be less venomous then the original ones that live abroad, it is a considered risk. When Verseijden spots a new bug, he informs the authorities. An example is the ‘Knut’ that spreads the Blue-tongue disease among sheep. These bugs are only dangerous for animals like sheep and cows, not for humans. 

Not only bugs, but also plants and animals find their way here. The last few years, a lot of new plants and birds arised in the view. Birds that fly across Europe, stay longer in our country. The King Fisher (although likely to like winters), is not fond of cold. The population of the King Fisher in The Netherlands, grew from 150 to hundreds of breeding couples. Also Herons, Bee-Eaters and Tjif-Tjafs don’t fly any further, but stay here to survive the winter.

Perhaps we don’t need Zoo’s here in the near future as Lions and Zebra’s find their way here too ;)

Cheers,

Roel