The Dutch Montagu’s Harrier Foundation is a small but effective species protection organisation. The foundation targets endangered birds that have arable land as habitat.
It focuses on Montagu’s Harrier, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl, Skylark, Yellow Wagtail and Grey Partridge.
Key characteristic of the working method is to connect scientific research to appropriate conservation measures. Departing from the ecological needs of the target species, the research broadens to the ecological system of its habitat (for instance vole abundance in arable land). The species’ ecology (habitat use, diet, breeding biology etc.) is researched year-round, which means that Montagu’s Harriers are also being followed to their wintering sites in the Sahel, where again they stay in farmland habitats.
