Catalysing the Conservation of the Critically Endangered Common hamster through an Innovative Species and Agricultural Management Approach

ongoing

This demonstrative project aims to reach a more favourable conservation status for the European Common hamster (Cricetus cricetus) in the project area through an integrated management approach in which farmers, scientists and policymakers closely cooperate and implement innovations in management. Following the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, this project will make an important contribution to improve the conservation status of a species that depends on and is affected by agriculture. Therefore, the project wants to demonstrate that it is possible to bridge productive farming and rural biodiversity through innovation while having an impact on policy. In this project, the region of the BNN genetic lineage of the European Common hamster is used to demonstrate this integrated approach. The BNN-region comprehends the South of Limburg (Belgium), Limburg (The Netherlands) and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany). LIFE Cricetus builts upon the following objectives: 1 - Prevent the extinction of Cricetus cricetus in the project area of Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany/North Rhine-Westphalia 2 - Ensure long term survival and fitness of the European Common hamster 3 - Establishment of experimental and demonstration farms where the feasibility and effectiveness of new agricultural management measures for the European Common hamster will be tested and deployed 4- Establishment of agricultural hamster cooperatives that support the protection of the hamster as well as other farmland biodiversity 5 - Increase the area of land managed with hamster & wildlife-friendly measures in intensive farmland 6 - Provide recommendations for the CAP and implement new measures for the European Common hamster 7 - Raise awareness and enhance the support for the hamster and biodiversity-friendly agricultural management 8 - Dissemination of the findings, actions, and management structure, to other areas where other European genetic lineages of the European Common hamster are present and declining.