No cubs have been born this year in Flanders, Belgium, raising alarms about the country’s low wolf population, which stands at just around 20, according to the wildlife organization Welkom Wolf. This absence of new births, alongside dismal figures across the region, calls for urgent conservation efforts to protect these majestic creatures.
While Flanders reported no wolf cubs for 2024, neighboring Wallonia saw the birth of only 11 cubs—a stark comparison to the Netherlands, where 55 cubs were welcomed this year. Welkom Wolf has highlighted the glaring disparity between these numbers, underscoring the belief among conservationists: “It’s ridiculously low, especially considering southern Belgium is more suitable for wolves than the Netherlands and Flanders combined,” said Jan Loos, spokesperson for Welkom Wolf.
The need for improved infrastructure is one of the main concerns driving Welkom Wolf’s advocacy. To protect the small population of wolves from vehicle collisions—one of the leading threats to their survival—Loos points out the urgent necessity for safer road infrastructure. “We know where wolves frequently cross roads and we’ve been asking for eco-ducts or eco-valleys for years but nothing has been done,” he emphasized. Protecting these animals, he argues, is not merely about increasing their population but also ensuring their survival amid increasing human encroachment.
Loos expressed hopes for the future, with the possibility of seeing cubs return to the Limburg region of Flanders as early as spring 2025—if no adult wolves fall victim to human activity. “If one adult wolf gets hit by a car, the chances of cubs diminish drastically,” he warned, pointing to the tragic incident on March 27, where Maxima, one of the region’s established wolves, was killed by a vehicle collision. Maxima had previously contributed significantly to the population, having birthed three litters between 2021 and 2023.
The situation is exacerbated by illegal hunting, particularly prevalent in Wallonia. Welkom Wolf reports alarming instances of wolves being killed on private lands, where there is little oversight. “There’s no supervision on private domains, and the Walloon government simply looks the other way,” the organization stated. The deliberate neglect of protective measures has sparked outrage among conservationists, who are advocating for stricter regulations.
The protection of wolves is compounded by recent political decisions. Earlier this year, the wolf was downgraded from ‘strictly protected’ to ‘protected’ status by member states of the Bern Convention. This controversial decision, justified by claims of increasing wolf populations and livestock attacks, is viewed skeptically by local conservation organizations, which argue it was politically motivated rather than based on substantive environmental concerns. “The European Union’s rationale is flawed, especially when we see these numbers play out on the ground,” noted Loos.
Despite the government’s seeming indifference, the newly appointed Flemish minister of mobility, Annick De Ridder, acknowledged the organization’s requests for infrastructure improvements, albeit with caveats. “Our focus is currently on the core tasks within public works: making sure there are no more potholes, and guaranteeing implementation of public transportation,” she stated, urging the need for balanced priorities.
The plight of the Belgian wolf population reflects broader issues of wildlife conservation and human impact on natural habitats. With only three established wolves verified within Flanders and three packs estimated to number five to six wolves each residing in the High Fens, the future looks precarious. Welkom Wolf remains active, urging the public to report any wolf sightings to their contact point as citizen engagement could play a role in monitoring the few wolves left.
The call for public awareness is as pressing as it is urgent. Without supportive measures to provide safe crossing areas or protection from illegal hunting, the existing wolf population stands at the brink, particularly without effective government intervention. The fight for the wolves of Belgium is not just about their survival; it’s also about restoring the balance between human activity and wildlife, ensuring both can coexist harmoniously.
While this year’s absence of cub births may seem like just another statistic, it embodies the more considerable crisis facing Belgium's wildlife. The plea from Welkom Wolf serves as both a warning and a call to action. With increased public interest and governmental action, there remains hope yet for the wolf population to thrive once more.
