You are here: Home SOER 2010 Nature protection and biodiversity - State & Impacts (SOER 2010)
The European environment – state and outlook 2010

The European environment – state and outlook 2010

SEIS conference

Logo conference Sharing Environmental Information

August 2020 »
August
MoTuWeThFrSaSu
12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31
 
Document Actions

Nature protection and biodiversity - State & Impacts (SOER 2010)

The state of and the impact on biodiversity in Belgium.

The state of biodiversity in Belgium is described with indicators on species abundance and detailed with figures on the conservation status of species of European interest for the national (where available) as well as the regional levels. Trends are given for some bird indices (e.g. the European common bird index). The state of biodiversity is always closely connected to the quality and availability of habitat, hence the inclusion of several descriptive figures on the progress of their conservation to conclude the section.

 

The status and trends in species in Belgium.

Key message

A great number of species in Belgium are critically endangered especially amongst the reptiles, amphibians and butterflies.

Regarding terrestrial biodiversity, a great percentage of reptiles (71 %), amphibians (60 %) and butterflies (60 %) are currently 'critically endangered'1. For mammals (36 %), birds (25 %), fish (23 %) and vascular plants (29 %), the situation is slightly better. More worrying is the situation for dragonflies and damselflies where 48 % of the species analysed are critically endangered. Terrestrial biodiversity in Belgium is monitored and managed on a regional level. More precise data are therefore given below per region.

Concerning marine environment, there has been a continuous decline in the number of fish species and crustaceans in the Belgian part of the North Sea, primarily as a result of overfishing2.

The trend of the marine bird species occurring in the Belgian part of the North Sea and listed in annex I of the EU Birds Directive is as follows: the populations of little tern (Sterna minor) is in decline while the populations of Sandwich tern (Sterna sandvicensis) and common tern (Sterna hirundo) are stable or fluctuating3. Several reports describe the international importance of the Belgian part of the North Sea for marine bird species.

The trend for marine mammals is less clear, although it is certain that most species remain threatened. Article 17 reporting, in application of the Habitats Directive, mentions positive trends for the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) (primarily due to a shift of the population in the North Sea), the common seal (Phoca vitulina) and the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus)4.

 


1 Directorate-general Statistics and Economic information of Belgium (2008): p36 – percentages given only reflect the situation of the species which were analysed.

2 http://indicatoren.milieuinfo.be/

3 http://indicatoren.milieuinfo.be/

4 National Focal Point of Belgium for the Convention on Biological Diversity (2009), p13.

 

The status and trends in species in the Walloon Region

Key message

In Wallonia, the species conservation status is poor for roughly 40% of the species which were monitored.

Figures

In Wallonia, the species conservation status (see Figure 4.1) is poor for roughly 2/5 of the species in the monitored groups (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, dragonflies, butterflies, ladybirds, beetles, vascular plants and non-vascular cryptogamous plants). Combining all the groups, 31 % of the species which have been studied run the risk of disappearing. Furthermore, nearly 9 % have already disappeared. Among bats, fish, reptiles, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies (odonata), more than half of species analysed are in an unfavourable situation.

Update data 2009 (French only)

 

The status and trends in species in the Brussels-Capital Region

Figures

Figure 5. Estimate of the species status in the Brussels Capital Region

Figure 5. Estimate of the species status in the Brussels Capital Region
Data source
http://www.bruxellesenvironnement.be/etatdelenvironnement
Figure 5. Estimate of the species status in the Brussels Capital Region
Fullscreen image Original link

In the Brussels-Capital Region, the species status is highlighted in Figure 5. It should be stressed that considering the limited size of the Brussels Region (161 km2) and its urban character, it is not possible to strictly apply the IUCN’s criteria to determine the conservation status of the various species. Therefore, the data presented below constitute an estimate and should be considered with caution. In particular, the number of species of mammals present in the Brussels Region could actually be higher than 39 because there is doubt concerning the presence of certain species of bats.

About 50 %, 15 % and 100 % respectively of the native and non-extinct species of mammals, birds, and reptiles and amphibians are threatened (endangered or vulnerable). Compared to other taxonomic groups for which historical data are available in the Brussels-Capital Region, butterflies and dragonflies record a particularly important regression.

For plants, 66 species (out of 578 ’native’8plants recorded) are identified as being endangered. Actually, this figure is most likely much higher since the conservation status is unspecified for the majority of the plants. The number of ’neophytes’ (plants arrived under human influence) is rising rapidly. It is currently estimated at approximately 215 species. For mosses and lichens, no distinction is made between native and exotic species. Many exotic animal species are also observed, including inter alia three species of mammals and 11 species of birds.

 


8 This excludes the plants considered as “neophytes” i.e. introduced into our areas after 1500

The status and trends in species in the Flemish Region

Key message

The conservation status of only a small percentage of the species occurring in the Flemish Region has been documented. From what we know the situation is especially worrying for butterflies where more than 50% of the species documented are on the Flemish Red List.

Figures

Figure 1. Species status in the Flemish Region in 2008

Figure 1. Species status in the Flemish Region in 2008
Data source
http://indicatoren.milieuinfo.be/indicatorenportal.cgi?lang=en&detail=657
Figure 1. Species status in the Flemish Region in 2008
Fullscreen image Original link

Figure 1 illustrates the species status in the Flemish Region. The conservation status of 3 451 of the species (9 % of the total) occurring in Flanders has currently been documented. Knowledge on the status of Flemish biodiversity is strongly biased toward vertebrates and vascular plants5. From the species assessed, 6 % have recently become regionally extinct and 29 % have been listed as 'critically endangered', 'endangered' or 'vulnerable' so-called Red List species. Butterflies are among the most affected with 25 % extinct and 33 % on the Flemish Red List. Empidids (no extinctions and 15 % on the Red List) and Dolichopodids (9 % extinct and 18 % on the Flemish Red List) prove to be the most robust species groups.

 


Abundance and distribution of selected species in the Flemish Region

Figures

Figure 2. Trend abundance of forest, farmland and other common birds in the Flemish Region (1990 to 2007-2008)

Figure 2. Trend abundance of forest, farmland and other common birds in the Flemish Region (1990 to 2007-2008)
Data source
http://indicatoren.milieuinfo.be/indicatorenportal.cgi?lang=en&detail=676&id_structuur=71
Figure 2. Trend abundance of forest, farmland and other common birds in the Flemish Region (1990 to 2007-2008)
Fullscreen image Original link

Figure 2 illustrates the evolution of the European Common Bird Index from 1990 to 2007-2008 in Flanders. The ‘Common bird index’ is calculated as the trend abundance of forest, farmland and other common birds. The trend is calculated as annual median over species6.

The farmland bird indicator dropped sharply between 1990 and 2000-2002. Afterwards, the decline continued, but less pronounced.

Other species-based indicators for Flanders can be consulted on-line (in English) via the following URL: http://indicatoren.milieuinfo.be/indicatorenportal.cgi?lang=en&id_structuur=71.

Common forest birds have increased (e.g. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor, Eurasian Nuthatch, Sitta europaea).

 


Abundance and distribution of selected species in the Walloon Region

Key message

Near one third of the nesting bird species in the Walloon Region are threatened and the abundance of the forest common birds and farmland birds is declining.

Figures

Figure 4.2 Changes in common birds numbers in the Walloon Region

Figure 4.2 Changes in common birds numbers in the Walloon Region
Data source
http://etat.environnement.wallonie.be/index.php?mact=tbe,m787b7,default,1&m787b7what=fiches&m787b7alias=Evolution-de-l-avifaune_1&m787b7returnid=40&page=40
Figure 4.2  Changes in common birds numbers in the Walloon Region
Fullscreen image Original link

In Wallonia, near one-third of the nesting bird species are threatened. Threatened species are particularly encountered in open, aquatic and agricultural ecosystems. This situation is notably explained by the fact that the area of the heathlands, fens or grasslands is particularly confined. In agricultural areas, few nesting sites and food resources are available throughout the year, without factoring in the specific impact of certain practices (phytosanitary treatments for instance). According to the last inventories, the abundance of the forest common birds would have decreased by 18.5 % between 2005 and 2009. Moreover, the Farmland bird index dropped by 20.5 % between 1990 and 2009.

The conservation status of 'species of European interest' in the Flemish Region

Key message

In the Flemish Region, slightly more than a quarter of the species (16 species, 27 %) have a favourable conservation status. For 12 species (20 %) the conservation status is inadequate and for 22 species (37 %) the status is unfavourable (bad).

Figures

Figure 3: Conservation status of species of European interest in Flanders

Figure 3: Conservation status of species of European interest in Flanders
Data source
http://indicatoren.milieuinfo.be/indicatorenportal.cgi?lang=en&id_structuur=71
Figure 3: Conservation status of species of European interest in Flanders
Fullscreen image Original link

The conservation status of ‘species of European interest’ (see Figure 3) has been evaluated as part of the reporting requirements for the EU Habitats Directive, under the Article 17 Report (2001-2006). In the Flemish Region, slightly more than a quarter of the species (16 species, 27 %) have a favourable conservation status. For 12 species (20 %) the conservation status is inadequate and for 22 species (37 %) the status is unfavourable (bad). For nine species there was insufficient data to evaluate the status. The status of aquatic species gives the greatest cause for concern, with only one of the ten species being considered as having a favourable status. Water pollution and eutrophication are the main threats reported for most species.

 

the conservation status of ‘species of European interest’ in the Walloon Region

Key message

73 % of the species in the Continental Region of the Walloon Region have an unfavourable conservation status.

According to the Article 17 Report for the Habitats Directive, the conservation status of ‘species of European interest’ was deemed to be unfavourable for 73 % of the species in the Continental Region. 67 taxa or groups of taxa were studied. Among them, superior plants and butterflies had the largest number of taxons whose conservation status was unfavourable7.

Other species-based data for Wallonia can be consulted on-line at the following URL (in French):

Chapitre 12, Rapport analytique 2006-2007 (2007), available at: http://etat.environnement.wallonie.be/download.php?file=uploads/rapports/Rapport_analytique.pdf

 Partie Etat des composantes de l'environnement, chapitre Faune, flore et habitats, Tableau de bord de l'environnement wallon 2010, available at: http://etat.environnement.wallonie.be/index.php?page=le-tableau-de-bord-2010


7 Cellule Etat de l’Environnement wallon (2008), p146. Also available at: http://etat.environnement.wallonie.be/download.php?file=uploads/tbe/en_tbe2008_full.pdf

 

Abundance and distribution of selected species in the Brussels-Capital Region

Common birds are also monitored in Brussels. Thirteen species have been expanding during the period 1992-2008, two of which are exotic species. Eleven species are declining, while nine species are considered as stable.

 

More information on biodiversity for the Brussels-Capital Region can be found at:
http://documentation.bruxellesenvironnement.be/documents/EE2006FR_volet2_nature_EV.PDF?langtype=2060 (French)

http://documentatie.leefmilieubrussel.be/documents/EE2006NL_volet2_nature_EV.PDF?langtype=2067 (Dutch)

The status of habitat conservation in Belgium

Key message
The conservation status of 79% of the habitat which is to be conserved in the framework of the EU Habitat Directive in Belgium has an 'unfavourable bad' conservation status.

Figures

Figure 6. Overall assessment of conservation status by habitat category (%) (2001-2006).

Green (FV): favourable, yellow (U1): unfavourable inadequate, red (U2): unfavourable bad, grey (XX): unknown.
Data source
http://circa.europa.eu/Public/irc/env/monnat/library?l=/habitats_reporting/reporting_2001-2007/ms-reports_summaries/national_sumarypdf_1/_EN_1.0_&a=d
Figure 6. Overall assessment of conservation status by habitat category (%) (2001-2006).
Fullscreen image Original link

The overall assessment of conservation status as reported within the framework of the Article 17 reporting of the EU Habitats Directive (2001-2006) is the following: 6 % of the Belgian habitats are in ‘favourable’ conservation status; 13 % are in ‘unfavourable inadequate’, 79 % ‘unfavourable bad’ and 2 % are in ‘unknown’ status. Figure 5 shows the assessment of conservation status by habitat category.

The status of habitat conservation in the Flemish Region

Figures

Figure 7: Conservation status of habitats of European interest in the Flemish Region

Figure 7: Conservation status of habitats of European interest in the Flemish Region
Data source
http://indicatoren.milieuinfo.be/indicatorenportal.cgi?lang=en&detail=694%20
Figure 7: Conservation status of habitats of European interest in the Flemish Region
Fullscreen image Original link

Three-quarters of the 37 habitats have an unfavourable (bad) conservation status and 15 % (seven habitats) have an inadequate conservation status. The latter group comprises two peat and marsh habitats, one heathland, two grassland and two woodland habitats. Consequently, only two habitats have a favourable conservation status, these being one saline habitat (Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide) and one coastal dune habitat (Dunes with Sea Buckthorn). All aquatic habitats are of a unfavourable (bad) conservation status. Water and air pollution pose the most serious threats for most habitats9.

 


9 Research Institute for Nature and Forest (2008), p15. Also available at: http://indicatoren.milieuinfo.be/indicatorenportal.cgi?lang=en&detail=694

The status of habitat conservation in the Walloon Region

Overall, for the continental region, only boxwood xerothermic formations were deemed to be in favourable status. Rivers, megaphorbic areas and acidophilous beech forests with Ilex and Taxus were deemed to be in an inadequate status. The other habitats evaluated are in an unfavourable status. As far as forests are concerned, factors lowering the status basically involve the presence of wide diameter-wood and dead wood (insufficient volume and number). No forest habitat in the continental region had a good evaluation as far as the vertical structure was concerned or the presence of natural regeneration. As well as various structural and functioning problems, the poor evaluation of other formations, such as dry heaths, grasslands and screes, comes from the reduced size of their distribution area in relation to the land area required for the good functioning of the habitat and its long term conservation10.

 


10 Cellule Etat de l’Environnement wallon (2009), p 146. Also available at: http://etat.environnement.wallonie.be/download.php?file=uploads/tbe/en_tbe2008_full.pdf

The status of habitat conservation in the Brussels-Capital Region

In the Brussels-Capital Region, the majority of the habitats are in an unfavourable conservation status. Only two habitats, namely the Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities11 and the alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior12, have a favourable conservation status. Despite the small regional scale which sometimes limits the quantitative potential for natural habitat development, it is mainly the habitat quality that causes the generally unfavourable conservation status. Therefore, the future emphasis will lie on improving this habitat quality in order to attain a better conservation status for all habitat types13.

 


11 European habitat 6430

12 European habitat 91E0

13 National Focal Point of Belgium for the Convention on Biological Diversity (2009), p15.