Elk a keystone species

Moose were present in the Netherlands until the 11th century. This is evident from archaeological finds as well as from historical documents. Certain areas in the Netherlands now appear to be suitable for moose once again. Alongside other browsers and grazers such as roe deer, red deer, cattle, horses and bison, the moose plays a specific ecological role. As a selective ‘browser’, the animal plays a crucial role in the development of river, marsh and forest ecosystems. In wet marshland systems, which originally covered half of the Netherlands, the moose is in fact the only large herbivore that forages there. Due to its dietary preferences, this European ‘high-branch browser’ has a significant impact on the development of shrubs and trees.