A court in Brussels ruled that the Flemish government has not done enough to prevent the extinction of the European hamster. “It’s not too late, but it’s high time,” said the lawyer representing environmental organisations.
“A victory for nature”: Government found guilty for near extinction of wild hamster
Lisa Bradshaw
Published:
The European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) is critically endangered in Flanders – as well as the rest of Europe. A loss of natural habitat for foraging and hiding has reduced the numbers of the species drastically.
Widooie, a district of Tongeren, is the only place in Belgium where the animal still lives in the wild. Environmental organizations Dryade and Vogelbescherming Vlaanderen (Bird Protection Flanders) launched a lawsuit against the Flemish government in 2023, asserting that policymakers have not made sufficient efforts to save the species.
The judge at the court of first instance agreed, saying that the government has not taken appropriate action to protect the wild hamster and must work to boost the population. The organizations are pleased with the ruling.
By increasing biodiversity in the countryside, other species – like birds and insects – will also benefit”
“It is not often that a court has to consider the protection of a specific species,” said Hendrik Schoukens, lawyer for the two organisations. “In this case, the judge concluded that the Flemish government should have done more to protect a species, a historic victory for nature.”
Schoukens admitted that Flanders had taken “expensive measures” initially on the hamsters’ behalf but initiated no long-term plan, with the result that the hamster is as bad off as it ever was. “It is not too late to save the species,” said Schoukens, “but it is high time to take measures. We must reintroduce the species in nature reserves that were specially set up for the animal.”
Measures taken will benefit not only the hamster, according to Free Van Rompaey of Vogelbescherming Vlaanderen. “By increasing biodiversity in the countryside, other species – like birds and insects – will also benefit. The hamster has won in court, but hopefully the rest of nature has, too.”