Flemish government condemned for extinction of wild hamster
The court of first instance in Brussels has condemned the Flemish government for failing to adequately protect the wild hamster, reported environmental organisations Dryade and Vogelbescherming Vlaanderen (Bird Protection Flanders). The government must now take measures, including providing a required minimum area of suitable habitat and a sufficiently large hamster population.
The wild hamster is a protected species. Under the European Habitats Directive, the little animal has enjoyed the strictest protection since 1994, yet only a few dozen wild hamsters currently live in Flanders, specifically in the Limburg sub-municipality of Widooi.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the wild hamster was still common in Flanders. The decline of the Flemish population is caused by the degradation of its habitat due to increasingly intensive agriculture. Due to economies of scale, less varied crops, faster harvests and pesticide use, they find too little food and shelter in the countryside.
“This verdict forces the government to finally take its responsibility"
The environmental organisations took the matter to court as early as August 2023. Bird Protection Flanders now speaks of “a historic victory for nature”. “We hope that this ruling is a tipping point for the wild hamster,” stated Free Van Rompaey of Bird Protection Flanders. “This verdict forces the government to finally take its responsibility,” added Elias Van Marcke of Dryade. Maintaining the species requires a population of 10,000 to 20,000 wild hamsters and at least 600 hectares of hamster-friendly habitat, claim the environmental organisations.
“Time for action”
The nature organisations also point out that the measures imposed will benefit not only the hamster, but also biodiversity in general.
“The hamster wins today not only in court, but hopefully also in nature,” said Van Marcke of Dryade. “This verdict confirms that the government cannot let a protected species disappear with impunity. Now it is time for action. We look forward to seeing how the Flemish government will work with this verdict.”
#FlandersNewsService | Illustration © BELGA PHOTO Oliver Berg / dpa
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