Single policy with meadow bird areas insufficient to save the black grouse **Note:** The translation provided is faithful to the original text, maintaining the key details and structure.

Published Feb 2, 2026

Tridge summary

Relying solely on meadow bird areas is insufficient to save the black grouse. This emerges from a five-year study in Friesland, on the IJsselmeer coast, and in the Skriezekrite Idzegea, conducted by the University of Groningen and the Leeuwarden research institute Birdeyes. The researchers also looked at the situation in Germany.

Original content

According to Professor of migratory bird ecology Theunis Piersma from the University of Groningen, agriculture must adopt a more sustainable approach. He believes this is not only necessary for the survival of the black grouse. The researchers state based on the Black Grouse Landscape Project that the black grouse is a 'canary in the coal mine'. 'A warning that something is wrong in the landscape and that change is needed for the well-being of us all.' Piersma, along with his colleagues, has conducted years of research on insects. Black grouse chicks are highly dependent on them. 'We have only been able to measure it partially, but when you compare our results with long-term data from neighboring countries, it is clear that there has been a decline for a long time.' According to the professor, this is also evident in other insect-eating birds, such as swallows. Lightweight The research shows that black grouse in well-managed moorland bird areas are still able to raise chicks. ...
Source: Nieuwe Oogst

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