This tender was initiated in response to a population of raccoons that has been present in Limburg since the end of 2017. For the Netherlands, the raccoon falls under Article 17 of the EU Exotics Regulation, which means that there is an obligation to take measures to remove the entire population in order to prevent (future) damage to native biodiversity. On the basis of the Nature Conservation Act, the approach to most European designated invasive alien species - including the raccoon - is a provincial responsibility.

Tendered is the active mapping, capture and killing of the raccoons by a professional trapping team.

This tender was initiated in response to a population of raccoons that has been present in Limburg since the end of 2017. For the Netherlands, the raccoon falls under Article 17 of the EU Exotics Regulation, which means that there is an obligation to take measures to remove the entire population in order to prevent (future) damage to native biodiversity. On the basis of the Nature Conservation Act, the approach to most European designated invasive alien species - including the raccoon - is a provincial responsibility.

The active mapping of the presence and distribution of raccoons and the professional capture and killing of (or have them killed) in the period 08 January 2024 to 31 December 2026 is put out to tender, aiming for a raccoon-free Dutch Limburg (hereinafter: Limburg).

The activities are divided into 5 categories:

1. Active mapping: actively mapping the presence and distribution of raccoons throughout Limburg. The contractor does this via an effective monitoring network, including wildlife cameras in areas where raccoons (possibly) occur. This concerns at least 40 wildlife cameras (camera traps) that must be operational for at least 270 fall nights per camera trap per catch year (February to November).

2. Catching: catching 75 raccoons per contract year throughout Limburg, both in the field and in built-up areas (the latter especially after observations). Suitable baits are used that are replenished in a timely manner. During each catch year (February to November), a minimum of 60 walk-in traps with a catch detector must be used that, per fall per catch year, must be operational for at least 270 fall nights at locations where raccoons (can) occur.

3. Killing: the captured raccoons must be killed in the most animal-friendly way possible and in accordance with the requirements of the order/exemption no. 2022-05 Raccoon: https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/prb-2022-12423.html. Except lactating raccoons are in the period from March 15 to September 1 because of .dat otherwise any young languish (prevent unnecessary suffering).

4. Consultation and reporting: the client wishes to have at least 4 consultations per year (quarterly consultations). During these consultation moments, the contractor discusses with the client an overview of the progress (including number of sightings, number of captured / killed raccoons indicated on location map, location map of the walk-in traps and wildlife cameras).

5. Project leader of the implementation: coordinating the active mapping and capture/killing of raccoons and all (additional) activities of the own organization and of any third organizations associated with the active mapping, capture and killing of raccoons. You are the coordinator / point of contact for all aspects of the implementation of raccoon control in Limburg and you communicate / work together with organizations that also work in this field (such as FBE, wildlife management units, Limburg Water Board, RIVM / DWHC, Mammal Association). You answer questions about the control from the client and the organizations involved.