Wildlife protection advocates and agricultural interests are clashing in Wallonia over the treatment of crows, a protected species. The debate centers on the legality and efficacy of killing these birds to prevent crop damage, with animal rights groups calling for a shift in how the region manages its agricultural landscapes.
Legal Protections and Derogations
In Wallonia, the crow is a protected species. The possession and transport of these birds, including dead individuals, is prohibited by law.
Marie Michotte of the SPW explained that the Law on Nature Conservation allows for exceptions. She noted that la mise à mort, la détention et les transports peuvent être autorisés via une dérogation aux mesures de protections des espaces de la Loi sur la Conservation de la Nature
, and that the DNF grants these derogations for the trapping or shooting of crows.
However, Michotte clarified that unless a specific derogation is in place, the exposition de cadavre est interdite par la Loi
.
Data shows that the DNF granted 283 derogations in 2022, 323 in 2023, and 282 in 2024. While the number of requests for 2025 was 316, the number of those granted for the past year is not yet known.
Controversy Over Efficacy and Legality
La Ligue Royale Belge de Protection des Oiseaux (LRBPO) believes that derogations are granted too easily and without sufficient verification of actual crop damage. This lack of oversight has led to concerns regarding illegal practices.
Sébastien de Jonge of Gaia has urged citizens to provide photographic evidence when reporting violations to authorities. He stated, Il y a beaucoup de personnes qui le font illégalement. Des fois ce sont des animaux vivants qui sont utilisés. C’est complètement fou !
Scientific evidence further challenges the use of lethal deterrents. The Muséum national d’histoire naturelle in Paris has demonstrated that killing corvids does not protect crops. LRBPO ornithologist Justine Dewilde explained that as crows are super intelligentes
, dead birds may actually attract more crows and scavengers rather than deterring them.
Proposed Alternatives and Ethical Concerns
The LRBPO advocates for improved agricultural landscape management to reduce the impact of crows on seedlings. This strategy includes maintaining large trees, hedges, and ecological field edges to provide birds with an abundance of natural food.
Other recommended non-lethal techniques include the use of bird cannons, kites, flags, seed treatment, and the thoughtful implantation of seedlings. Sébastien de Jonge argued that the current model of intensive exploitation, which led to the destruction of hedges, ne fait que rendre problématique la présence des oiseaux
.
Beyond the practical arguments, animal defense associations describe the use of hunting, trapping, and the display of corpses as degrading and disrespectful practices.
Future Outlook
The LRBPO may launch a campaign in the coming months to address these issues. Sophie Installe, a jurist and mission officer for the organization, stated that they aimerait que des études approfondies soient faites
due to strong doubts regarding the utility of current derogations, despite acknowledging that crop damage occurs.
In response to reports of illegal activity, a bourgmestre has announced that he will investigate a specific case. Future regulatory shifts could depend on whether deeper studies are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of existing derogations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are crows legally protected in Wallonia?
Yes, the crow is a protected species in Wallonia, and the law generally prohibits the detention and transport of these birds, even if they are dead.
Can crows be legally killed to protect crops?
Yes, but only through a derogation granted by the DNF under the Law on Nature Conservation, which may authorize shooting or trapping.
What alternatives to killing birds are recommended by experts?
Experts recommend managing the landscape with hedges and ecological field edges, using bird cannons, flags, kites, and employing specific seed treatments and thoughtful sowing implantation.
How should the balance between protecting wildlife and safeguarding agricultural yields be managed?
