Junior environment minister Henk Bleker has been ordered to develop special green zones to connect areas where the endangered wild hamster or korenwolf lives by a court in The Hague.

Bleker had said the zones – part of a European-wide network of green corridors – were an unnecessary expense and planned to scrap them. The government is making major cuts in spending on the natural environment.
According to Trouw, nature organisation Das & Boom has decided to focus on raising money to fight Bleker´s decisions in the national and European courts. This case involving the wild hamster (Cricetus cricetus) is the first to be heard.
Trouw says this verdict is notable because the judge stated it is ´evident´ there is a need for protected corridors to connect the few areas where the hamsters live.
There are thought to be some 500 wild hamsters living in Limburg following a captive breeding and reintroduction programme.
Das & Boom´s next case will focus on otters.