The Monitoring Network, part of the RAVON Foundation, is responsible for the organisation of two national monitoring networks, which involve hundreds of volunteers. Both networks operate on a national level, participating in the Network Ecological Monitoring (NEM). The NEM includes other national flora and fauna networks. NEM networks receive financial support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) and Statistics Netherlands (CBS).

Reptile network
In order to obtain reliable information on population development, data collection over a period of time is required. To do this, part of a species’ population is systematically counted in a well-marked area (plot). Counting is done by means of a quantitative sample. In practice, this means visiting a plot and counting the various species and specimens that are found. Plot surveys are carried out repeatedly (7 times a year and for several years in a row) so that over a range of years population development can be followed. The process of repeated counting is called monitoring.

Amphibian network
Through the annual collection of data on the situation of salamanders, newts, toads and frogs in the Netherlands, we aim to gain insight into trends in populations and to detect what causes these trends. The amphibian monitoring focuses on the presence and condition of breeding waters and egg, larvae, juvenile and adult animal counting. All species seen and caught are registered. The amphibian network in particular monitors several Red List species (considered as near-threatened, vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered). The method used may be summarised as: first listen, next look, and then catch (if necessary). Plots are surveyed at least four times a year.