Five lynxes might one day live in Belgium again, a predator that had vanished from the country for several centuries. On this International Day for Biological Diversity, WWF has released a report indicating that lynxes could reestablish themselves in Belgium.
In 2020, a lynx was spotted in the Semois Valley through camera traps. Six months later, it was observed again in the region, confirming its presence. Following this, WWF commissioned a study from Humboldt University in Berlin to better understand and facilitate the development of lynxes in the area.
"We asked ourselves if there was enough space for a viable lynx population, and the answer is yes!" enthused Corentin Rousseau, a WWF biologist. Seventy-five lynxes could potentially settle in Wallonia and surrounding regions. However, other factors need to be considered, such as habitat fragmentation. "Are they too separated by roads? By agricultural plains?" Rousseau continued. Roads indeed pose a deadly threat to lynxes.
Another issue is acceptability. If lynxes return, will citizens and forest stakeholders welcome them? Rousseau emphasized, "The lynx is a shy species that rarely attacks livestock. It is often more accepted than wolves, which sometimes take 5 to 10 sheep."
Several initiatives have already been undertaken, such as in the Semois Valley, where a national park has been established and various actions in support of the lynx are ongoing.
Other possibilities exist too. Rousseau mentioned, "If we restore connectivity by creating dispersal corridors, it can benefit not just lynxes but many species, from large deer to small salamanders, even butterflies and bats."
Restoring forest edges is another solution. "The lynx is an ambush predator. Unlike wolves, it doesn’t chase its prey over long distances. It has a small heart, so it makes a few leaps and then stops, preferring to hunt from cover. Forest edges provide an ideal hiding spot and a food source for its prey, like roe deer, making it a win-win situation for the lynx."
When asked about the feasibility of this, Rousseau responded, "It seems entirely possible. The lynx is a shy species, hard to spot, spending most of its time in forests and minimally impacting human activities. So why not? Walking in a forest and thinking you might glimpse this elusive animal is a dream for many."
Once the habitat becomes suitable for lynxes, discussions on a reintroduction project could begin. Such a project has already been implemented in Germany, where around 16 lynxes live just 180 kilometers from the Semois Valley. Some have already made their way to Belgium!
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