In a quiet corner of the Netherlands, a small but significant victory for biodiversity is unfolding. The brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri), a species that had vanished from half of its former habitat in the country, is making a comeback in the Reusel Stream. This success story, detailed in a recent study published in *Knowledge and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems*, offers a glimmer of hope for species recovery and underscores the delicate balance between agriculture and ecosystem health.
From 2014 to 2018, conservationists translocated approximately 1,000 brook lampreys annually from a nearby population to the Reusel Stream. The effort, led by Martijn E. Schiphouwer of RAVON − Reptile Amphibian Fish Conservation Netherlands, focused on reintroducing both larvae and adults to re-establish a self-sustaining population. The results have been promising: the reintroduced population is not only surviving but also reproducing, with larvae densities reaching over 2 individuals per square meter in optimal habitats. “The population has expanded its range to 5 kilometers, and in 2024, it was assessed to be self-sustaining,” Schiphouwer noted, highlighting the success of the reintroduction effort.
However, the victory is tempered by the looming threats of climate change and intensive land use. Despite the population’s resilience, the Reusel Stream remains highly sensitive to droughts, which increase the risk of local extinction. Schiphouwer emphasized the need for further restoration of the watershed and sustainable land use practices to mitigate these risks. “The best available status estimate of the reintroduced population would be ‘Endangered’ due to the impact of droughts,” he added, underscoring the ongoing challenges.
For the agriculture sector, this research highlights the importance of sustainable land use practices. The Reusel Stream’s sensitivity to climate change and intensive land use serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how agricultural activities can inadvertently impact aquatic ecosystems. By adopting more sustainable practices, farmers can help preserve biodiversity and ensure the long-term health of both the environment and their livelihoods.
The success of the brook lamprey reintroduction in the Reusel Stream offers valuable insights for future conservation efforts. It demonstrates the potential of translocation as a tool for species recovery and underscores the need for integrated approaches that address both ecological and agricultural needs. As Schiphouwer and his team continue to monitor the population, their work will undoubtedly shape future developments in the field, providing a roadmap for similar efforts worldwide.