From trial to practice: new report on the Agricultural Species Monitoring Network
How are our farmland birds, such as skylarks and yellowhammers, really doing? And what measures can help them thrive? To find out, INBO launched a pilot project for the Agricultural Species Monitoring Network (MAS) in 2022. This was done in collaboration with the Flemish Land Agency, the Agency for Nature and Forests, the Agency for Agriculture and Sea Fisheries, and with the support of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
The pilot study took place in De Moeren (West Flanders) and the eastern loam region (Limburg). It confirmed that the monitoring network is technically and logistically feasible, thanks in part to the strong commitment of volunteers. It provided valuable data on farmland birds, which were examined in the report, including a case study of the skylark. Various analysis methods were tested, including:
- density estimates with correction for detection probability
- spatial statistical models
- models that establish links with environmental variables such as the presence of species protection measures, small landscape elements and the size of the agricultural plot
The project also emphasised the importance of continued investment in robust methodology, quality assurance and long-term planning. In addition, the lack of control areas in older datasets makes it difficult to reliably evaluate policy effects. With the MAS, a thorough evaluation is now possible.
Based on these insights, we refined the monitoring network and expanded it as part of the MBAG project. Since 2024, hundreds of sampling points across Flanders have been monitored annually to accurately track trends in farmland bird populations and thoroughly assess policy measures.
Image above: yellow wagtail (photo Johannes Jansen)