Wolves expand territory in Belgium, increasing aid for farmers
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Wolves in the Saint-Hubert area of Belgium are extending their range, prompting officials to enlarge the Permanent Presence Zone by 10,019 hectares.
The expanded zone now includes nine municipalities. La Roche-en-Ardenne, Libramont-Chevigny, Marche-en-Famenne, Nassogne, Rendeux, Sainte-Ode, Saint-Hubert, Tellin, and Tenneville, where wolves have established a lasting presence. The Service Public de Wallonie (SPW) defines the zone’s boundaries by tracking animal movements and considering natural barriers, but wolves are crossing previously expected limits like the N4 highway.
The expansion comes as farmers report near-daily attacks on livestock within the zone. The Wolf Network investigates each reported attack to confirm if a wolf was responsible, as not every incident is automatically attributed to wolves. Attack rates vary between different wolf packs, with some areas experiencing fewer incidents than others, like the Anlier forest. This change will provide more support to farmers like Damien Coeurderoi of Nassogne, who has already experienced losses to wolf attacks.
Farmers within the Permanent Presence Zone can now more easily access aid, advice, risk assessments, and equipment like electric fencing through Natagriwal, a program designed to help them protect their animals. The SPW continues to monitor wolf behavior and seeks ways to improve co-existence between wolves and livestock.
