The rise of the raccoon (Procyon lotor) in Flanders, Belgium: chronicle of a predicted evolution

Authors: Koen Van Den Berge, Filip Berlengee, Kurt Schamp & Jan Gouwy

https://doi.org/10.63269/SJL6019

Abstract: As a non-native species, the raccoon (Procyon lotor) has been present in the wild in Europe for about a century, and the expectation seemed justified that it would establish itself also in Belgium. A meticulous recording and interpretation of all possible raccoon sightings in Flanders (northern Belgium) over the past 30 years shows that this was not the case during the first two decades of this period. In contrast, a clear increase in the number of registrations has occurred in the last decade. Necropsy of collected roadkills also shows that reproduction in the wild is occurring throughout the region, a finding confirmed by the increasing use of camera traps. The raccoon
has been included in the Union List of Non-Native Species of Concern since 2016 through the EU Regulation, and addressing its further population development in Europe is currently the subject of international consultations. This study aims to provide a documented baseline for Flanders on the raccoon population status, while also making some considerations regarding the need for systematic intervention.