Altena’s Big Five
You can even go on a safari in Altena
Have you met Altena’s “Big Five” yet? Five remarkable animals you might just come across along the way. Our “Big Five” is very diverse: a special species that loves to live here, a species that has been successfully reintroduced, or a species that’s “simply” hired here as a natural lawn mower. Simple, yet oh so important where plenty of space is needed for the river. Have you discovered all five yet?
1. White-tailed Eagle
Western Europe’s largest bird of prey is a regular visitor here. It has been building its nest in the Biesbosch since 2012. Because of its size
, the white-tailed eagle is also known as the “flying door.” But no matter how impressive it may seem, keep your distance. These birds are very sensitive to disturbances, especially during the breeding season.
Adult white-tailed eagles have a white tail and a light-colored head with a yellow beak. In younger birds, the beak is mostly dark. When the white-tailed eagle flies, it keeps its wings straight, not in a V-shape as is often seen in other birds of prey.
2. Bever
The beaver is Europe’s largest rodent. It became extinct in the Netherlands in 1826. In 1988, it was reintroduced into the
Biesbosch—and successfully so. Today, beavers can be found along all the major rivers in Altena. The beaver is a true family animal. It often lives in a group of 4 to 6 beavers in a lodge. Such a “family” often has multiple lodges.
Want to go in search of this rodent? Go for a walk in the floodplains or take a special beaver tour in the Biesbosch. These tours include boat trips (on electric boats), hiking tours, or canoe trips.
3. Water Buffalo
These large grazers aren’t native to Altena, but are “employed” by Staatsbosbeheer as lawn mowers. They’re hearty eaters who love reeds. This is how they keep the area open and ensure there’s room for the water.
You can spot water buffalo in the Biesbosch as well as elsewhere in the municipality. Why not go look for them in the Wijk en Aalburg polder?
4. Konik Horse
Konik horses have also been “hired” as lawn mowers. You can encounter them both in the Biesbosch and in other nature reserves. For example, they graze in the Groesplaat and also at the tip near Woudrichem in the floodplains of Slot Loevestein.
Konik horses often live in “social herds,” which means one (adult) stallion with a herd consisting of mares and foals.
5. Ree
Whether driving or walking through the polders, it’s fun to keep an eye out for roe deer. Roe deer usually live alone in the summer, but more often in groups during the winter. You can recognize the males by their antlers, and the fawns by the “Bambi spots” on their backs. These spots disappear within a few months.
Roe deer are most active early in the morning or late in the evening, but especially in the summer, you also have a good chance of seeing them during the day. How many can you spot?
Bonus animal: the partridge
Are you a birdwatcher looking for a challenge? The rare partridge—similar to a small female pheasant and recognizable by its orange cheeks—lives in Altena’s fields and grasslands. Thanks to the efforts of farmers and conservationists, this well-camouflaged bird has a safe habitat here. With patience and a little luck, you might spot it!
