Through the Wild Ding campaign, the Province of Oost-Vlaanderen is drawing attention to six notable animal and plant species designated as 'super species': the European otter, the house sparrow, the orange-tip butterfly, the great crested newt, the little owl, and the wild hyacinth. These species face challenges from disappearing or fragmented habitats, making their survival increasingly difficult.
A healthy natural environment contributes to clean air, pure water, and fertile soils. The Province considers these 'super species' a priority due to their significant presence in Oost-Vlaanderen. The campaign aims to share the stories of these animals and plants, highlighting unique traits such as the male great crested newt's distinctive crest during mating season or the European otter's ability to hold its breath for up to eight minutes.
The Province has long been committed to protecting these species by improving habitats, restoring nature, and connecting natural areas to facilitate their movement and reproduction. Deputy Dagmar Beernaert, responsible for Climate, Environment, and Nature, emphasized the importance of these locally prioritized species: "When people speak of 'endangered species,' they often think of elephants or rare tigers, but in Oost-Vlaanderen, we also have provincial priority species that are threatened with extinction. More importantly, these are species for which our province bears extra responsibility because they occur here and are (almost) nowhere else. From now on, they are our super species. With the Wild Ding campaign, we want to put them in the spotlight and bring their stories to the people of Oost-Vlaanderen. We hope people will see their surroundings with new eyes and help us prevent these super species from disappearing. The Province itself is setting a good example on its domains."
Starting October 19, the six ambassadors will appear in the streets and media of Oost-Vlaanderen. More information about their stories, unique characteristics, and tips on how individuals can help protect them can be found at www.supersoorten.be.
