Biodiversity Challenge 2026 Nature thrives on the UT campus

The results of the Biodiversity Challenge 2026 are in, once again demonstrating just how surprisingly rich and diverse nature is on the University of Twente campus.

Thanks to the enthusiasm and efforts of 77 staff members, residents, students, and other nature enthusiasts, an impressive 1,445 different species were recorded. Among the observations were six very rare species, including four unusual lichens and the Golden Ground Beetle (Carabus nitens), a striking and beautiful beetle. In addition, 70 rare species were documented. Even more remarkable, 50 of these rare species had never been recorded on the UT campus before.

^{Photo waarneming.nl: Golden Ground Beetle}

One of these notable newcomers is the White-letter Hairstreak, a rare butterfly species that was observed on campus for the first time this year. This discovery is not entirely surprising, as elm trees, the species’ host plants, can be found near De Horst.

^{Photo Wim Bakker: White-letter Hairstreak}

Record Number of New Species

The Biodiversity Challenge not only produced impressive numbers but also contributed significantly to our knowledge of campus biodiversity. Of all species recorded this year, 332 were new to the UT campus. This brings the total number of documented plants, animals, fungi, and other species found on and around campus to 2,943 species.

^{Photo waarneming.nl: Caloplaca citrina (Lemon Lichen)}

The University of Twente also achieved a good result at the national level. In the ranking of participating organisations, UT finished in fourth place. Looking solely at the ‘single-site’ participants, the UT actually came first.

Photo Exhibition #3: Nature in Focus

The many remarkable observations highlight the rich diversity of nature on campus. They also resulted in some beautiful photographs. That is why the University of Twente is organising the third edition of the photo exhibition “Nature in Focus”. More information about the exhibition can be found here.

Have you taken a beautiful photograph of plants, animals, fungi, or landscapes on the UT campus, either during the Biodiversity Challenge or at another time? We warmly invite you to submit your photos for the exhibition.

Together, we can showcase how surprising, colourful, and diverse nature on campus truly is. Who knows? Your photo might soon be displayed among the finest nature images of the University of Twente!