Species of international significance
The habitats with many species of international significance are mostly in the dunes, on the higher-lying sandy soils and in south Limburg.
Current situation
Almost all the habitats in the Netherlands contain one or more species of higher plants, birds, mammals, butterflies, dragonflies, grasshoppers or crickets that are of international significance. The habitat types with the most such species occur in the dune areas, south Limburg, on the higher-lying sandy soils and, though to a lesser extent, in the river region. This is seen most clearly in the higher plants and, with the exception of breeding birds, in animal groups. By contrast there are few species of international significance in the carr peat area - which is striking, given that this type of landscape is extremely rare in the world. The only species for which the Dutch carr peat areas are of international importance are dragonflies and crickets. Though this cannot be seen from the figures it is clear from the data given below. With the exception of a few areas that are internationally important for breeding birds, the marine clay areas also have few species of international significance.
