Animals In Belgium

Updated: March 7, 2023
Share this post on:

Advertisement


Below you can find a complete list of Belgian animals. We currently track 257 animals in Belgium and are adding more every day!

Next to France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, you will find Belgium. The country is home to many beautiful wild animals, including foxes, badgers, weasels, beavers, red deer, wild boar, lynxes, and wild cats. Farmers have even developed two unique cow breeds and five unique breeds of chickens. People have spotted over 350 bird species in the country. Many amphibians and reptiles live across its Northwestern coastal plains, the central plateau, and the Ardennes uplands. Over 17,000 species of insects live in the country. Numerous issues, including loss of habitat, the introduction of alien species, climate change, and excessive water catchments, are causing some animals to go extinct.

The Official National Animal Of Belgium

The lion is the national animal of Belgium. Specifically, the Leo Belgicus, which translates from Latin to mean Belgian Lion, has been used to represent Belgium for centuries as a heraldic animal. Regarded as the King of Beasts, it represents strength, valor, nobility, royalty, and courage.

You can see the Belgium lion on the country’s official seal and its money. When the country separated from Luxembourg, legislators chose the lion as the official symbol. The lion is found on the Coat of arms of Belgium, which is used by the government on its official sites, embassies, and passports. There is also the black Flemish lion, which can be found on the Coat of arms of Flanders and is used by the Flemish government, a region of Belgium.

Where To Find The Top Wildlife In Belgium

There are many fantastic places to see animals native to Belgium. With such a wide variety of ecosystems, you will want to visit more than once to see all the wild animals here. Options include:

  • National ParksHoge Kempen National Park is a fantastic place to see animals native to Belgium, including Moor frogs, Natterjack toads, viviparous lizards, and Roe deer. Meanwhile, De Zoom– Kalmthoutse Heide’ is a great place to see smooth snakes, viviparous reptiles, crested newts, and Moor frogs, along with several species of butterflies.
  • Nature Parks – Belgium has several terrific nature parks where you can see animals native to Belgium. For example, High Fens-Eifel Nature Park is a terrific spot to see wild boars, roe deer, hen harriers, black grouses, wood mice, grasshopper warblers, northern shrike, great grey shrikes, meadow pipits, stonechats, and wheatears.
  • Wildlife Parks – There are also amazing wildlife parks across Belgium, like Parc De Furfooz. This location is a great place to see wood mice, foxes, bank voles, European cave spiders, and twenty-plume moths as you hike along the paths.

The Parc De Furfooz is in the Lesse Valley, close to Dinant, Belgium, about 1 1/2 hours southeast of Brussels. Located at the entrance to the Ardennes, which are the remains of a mountain range, this park is a nature reserve dating back to prehistoric times. With forests, caves, meadows, rock holes, caverns, and the Lesse riverbanks, there are many places for both humans and animals to wander. Parc De Furfooz has an area of more than 120 miles and the remains of an early Roman fortress can still be found.

One of the many species that can be found in the park is the European cave spider, known also as the cave orbweaver. Although they do have venom, they are not dangerous to humans and are not likely to bite but it is not recommended that they be touched because they may give a little peck.

The Most Dangerous Animals In Belgium Today

While there are many tame animals in this country, like foxes, badgers, weasels, and beavers, there are also dangerous animals in Belgium. Some examples of the most dangerous animals in Belgium include:

  • Eurasian wolves– Once thought to be extinct in Belgium, some Eurasian wolves are making a comeback, and they are one of the most dangerous animals in Belgium.
  • Wild boars – Belgium officials have been taking steps to reduce the number of wild boars for fear they may pass swine flu to humans.
  • Common adders – The only venomous snake to live in Belgium is the common adder.
  • Processionary pine caterpillar – These caterpillars cause an intense rash on anyone that comes in contact with them.

After more than 50 years of being non-existent in the country, the wild boar reappeared in Belgium. Although they are native to the area and are a highly valued game species, they are also highly destructive. Wild boars have been liable for crops being damaged, car collisions, ecological damages, and most significantly the transition of diseases.

The processionary pine caterpillar is a moth belonging to the Lepidopteran family and is a hazard to both humans, animals, and trees. This caterpillar has burning hairs all over its body that cause allergic reactions and health issues in dogs, cats, and people. When stressed, these tiny hairs can be ejected into their target. They are very destructive to pine trees as well, where they can be found a night feeding on the leaves. Known as processionary for the way they travel when they leave their nests – in a procession.

Endangered Animals In Belgium

southern right whale coming out of water

Northern right whale

©Foto 4440/Shutterstock.com

Unfortunately, there are some endangered species of animals that are in danger of becoming extinct animals in Belgium. Common threats to wildlife include industrialization, fragmentation of natural habitats, pollution, and excessive water catchment. Wildlife officials continue to try to take steps to save the lives of endangered animals before they join the list of extinct animals in Belgium. While you may think of Belgium as mostly land, the Wadden Sea is under its control. Some species that may become extinct animals in Belgium include:

The Northern right whale, also known as the North Atlantic right whale, is currently one of the world’s most endangered whale species. As of 2021, there were less than 350 in existence. Due to shipping routes and fishing grounds, whales run the risk of net entanglement and collisions. The right whale is listed as critically endangered.

Rarest Animals In Belgium

close up of a eurasian lynx - wild lynx

Thought to be extinct in Belgian, the lynx has been making a comeback.

©iStock.com/kjekol

In Belgium, spotting a lynx is extremely rare. They were thought to be extinct for quite some time but recent sitings found on a wildlife camera taken in the Ardennes offer solid proof of their return. It is believed that they are coming from the Eifel Mountains in Germany, as well as being illegally transported by hunters. The lynx is the largest European feline and can get as heavy as 66 pounds and as tall as 2.5 feet. Characterized by their very short tail and black hair on the tips of their ears.

The dwarf sperm whale is considered a very rare marine mammal and it is not sighted very often. They are often mistaken for harbor seals, although at 8.8 feet, they are slightly larger. The habit of this whale is generally contained in tropical waters and it isn’t usually found in Europe although sightings have been increasing.

Largest Animal In Belgium

The Belgian horse is also called a Brabant and the Belgian heavy horse. This breed is so strong that it can pull up to 8,000 pounds and is considering the strongest horse in the world. They are easy to handle, with an affectionate temperament, and have lifespans of up to 18 years. They have typical weights of between 2,100 to 2,300 pounds and stand at 5.65 feet tall (17 hands high).

Flag Of Belgium

Belgium’s flag is a tricolor, featuring red, black, and yellow vertical stripes. Each color stands for a separate region in Belgium. The black is symbolic of Namur and Flanders, the yellow stands for Wallon Brabant, and the red represents Nainaut, Limburg, and Luxembourg.

Many early Belgian flags had a horizontal format, with red on top, yellow in the middle, and black on the bottom, but after 1838 the vertical positioning of today became standard. There are a few reasons why this change took place. It was believed to have been influenced by the popularity of the French Tricolor as a symbol of independence and national unity. Belgium is only one of many countries that adopted it, substituting their own national colors. The colors of the flag were taken from the coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant.

The National Flower Of Belgium

The national flower of Belgium is the red poppy. More than a just flower, the red poppy symbolizes deep emotions and the enduring spirit of fighters in World War I. It also serves as a symbolic memory to the veterans lost in World War I and is used in honoring those that were lost. In the Memorial Day parade, people are handed a red poppy made from crepe paper showing comfort to those that were lost. Belgium shares its national flower with Poland.

These beautiful flowers have long been used in European herbal medicine, particularly for ailments in children and the elderly. Used mostly as a mild pain reliever and as a treatment for prickly coughs, they also reduce nervous overactivity. Very few flowers have played such a significant role in religion, politics, and medicine as the poppy. These red flowers have often enchanted poets and helped doctors for centuries due to their comprised of medicinal and edible qualities.

Belgian Animals

Admiral Butterfly

Stunningly beautiful wings

Ant

First evolved 100 million years ago!

Armyworm

They are so named because they "march" in armies of worms from one crop to another in search of food

Asian Lady Beetle

Asian lady beetles infest indoor spaces, but they do not reproduce indoors.

Atlantic Cod

One of the most popular food fishes in the world

Aurochs

Extinct ancestor of all domesticated cattle!

Avocet

Has a curved, upturned beak!

Badger

Can reach speeds of 30 km/h!

Barn Owl

Found everywhere around the world!

Barn Swallow

Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.

Bat

Detects prey using echolocation!

Beaver

Builds a dam from sticks and leaves!

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.

Bee

Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years

Beetle

There are more than 350,000 different species

Beewolf wasp

They hunt bees

Belgian Shepherd

The sheepdog is also known as the Groenendael. All four Belgian varieties have nicknames for Belgian villages.

Belgian Tervuren

The first breed to win an AKC Herding Championship.

Bird

Not all birds are able to fly!

Biscuit Beetle

The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast

Black Widow Spider

They typically prey on insects!

Bloodhound

Affectionate, gentle and even-tempered!

Booted Bantam

The feathers on the feet of tiny Booted Bantam chickens can reach up to six inches in length!

Bouvier Des Flandres

A Bouvier cannot achieve a champion title in Belgium unless it has already won a prize as a working police or military dog.

Brown-banded Cockroach

Females glue egg cases to furniture

Brown Dog Tick

Can live its entire life indoors

Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon prefers to live with another dog so they have a companion to play with.

Bumblebee

The most common species of bee!

Butterfly

There are thought to be up 17,500 species!

Camel Cricket

The camel crickets that are found in the USA are light brown in color. They also have dark streaks all over their body.

Campine Chicken

Campine chickens were exported from Belgium by Julius Caesar!

Carpenter Ant

Carpenter ants can lift up to seven times their own weight with their teeth!

Cat

May have been domesticated up to 10,000 years ago.

Caterpillar

The larvae of a moth or butterfly!

Catfish

There are nearly 3,000 different species!

Centipede

There are about 3,000 documented species!

Chamois

Natively found in the European mountains!

Chicken

First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!

Cicada

Cicadas have one of the longest insect lifespans

Cockroach

Dated to be around 300 million years old!

Codling Moth

Pupae are able to undergo diapause to survive poor fruit yield years and winter.

Common Buzzard

The most common raptor in the UK!

Common European Adder

European adders are the only snake that lives above the Arctic Circle.

Common Frog

Found throughout the European continent!

Common Furniture Beetle

The common furniture beetle feeds exclusively on wood

Common House Spider

House spiders have the ability to eat most insects in a home.

Common Loon

Also known as the Great Northern Diver

Common Raven

A group of ravens is called an unkindness or a conspiracy.

Common Toad

Most active in wet weather!

Cormorant

They can fly 35 mph and dive 150 feet below water.

Cow

There are nearly 1.5 billion worldwide!

Crab

There are 93 different crab groups

Crab Spider

Crab Spiders can mimic ants or bird droppings

Crane

Many are critically endangered species!

Cricket

Male crickets can produce sounds by rubbing their wings together

Crow

A group of these birds is called a Murder.

Deer

There are around 40 different species!

Devil’s Coach Horse Beetle

The Devil’s coach horse beetle can emit a noxious substance to deter predators

Dog

First domesticated in South-East Asia!

Dog Tick

Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals

Donkey

First domesticated 5,000 years ago!

Dormouse

Found in Europe, Africa and Asia!

Dragonfly

It's larvae are carnivorous!

Duck

Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!

Dung Beetle

The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight

Dunkleosteus

Dunkleosteus had a bite force strong enough to cut through pirey.

Dwarf Hamster

dwarf hamsters love to explore at night.

Eagle

Has exceptional eyesight!

Earthworm

They are hermaphrodites, which means they have male and female organs

Earwig

There are nearly 2,000 different species!

Edible Frog

Are known to guard the muddy banks!

Eel

Eels can be a mere few inches long to 13 feet!

Eider

Eiders are sexually dimorphic, with males being larger and more colorful.

Ermine

A very bold and ferocious predator!

Eurasian Bullfinch

The shy eurasian bullfinch prefers to forage very close to cover.

Eurasian Eagle-owl

The Eurasian Eagle-owl is the second largest owl in the world with a wingspan up to six feet!

Eurasian Jay

The Eurasian jay has the ability to mimic other sounds

European Robin

Male robins are so aggressive and territorial that they will attack their own reflections.

European Wildcat

A group of wild cats is called a destruction

Falcon

The fastest creatures on the planet!

Fallow deer

The fallow deer has more variation in its coat colors than most other deer.

False Widow Spider

False spiders actually prey on black widow spiders and other hazardous spiders

Ferret

Ferrets can be trained to do tricks like dogs!

Fire-Bellied Toad

Found across mainland Europe and Asia!

Fire Salamander

Its name comes from the fact that people once believed it was born in fire

Firefly

The firefly produces some of the most efficient light in the world

Flea

Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air

Fleckvieh Cattle

Besides being bred for milk and meat, these cattle were also used as draft oxen.

Fly

There are more than 240,000 different species!

Flying Squirrel

Can glide up to 90 meters!

Fox

Only 12 species are considered "true foxes"

Frizzle Chicken

Frizzle chickens are known for their frizzled feathers, which result from a genetic mutation.

Frog

There are around 7,000 different species!

Fruit Fly

Fruit flies are among the most common research animals in the world

German Cockroach

The most common type of urban roach

Glass Lizard

Can grow up to 4ft long!

Glowworm

Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!

Gnat

Males form large mating swarms at dusk

Goat

Most closely related to the Sheep!

Goldcrest

The goldcrest never starts moving and needs to consume for most of the day to survive. Therefore, in the colder months, it's best that eat 90% a day.

Golden Oriole

Migrates between Europe and Asia!

Goose

There are 29 different species!

Grasshopper

There are 11,000 known species!

Groenendael

These dogs are highly trainable and can learn excellent manners!

Gypsy Moth

One of the most invasive species in the world

Hamster

Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!

Hare

Can reach speeds of over 50 mph!

Hawk Moth Caterpillar

Many hawk moth caterpillars eat toxins from plants, but don’t sequester them the way milkweed butterflies do. Most toxins are excreted.

Hedgehog

Thought to be one of the oldest mammals on Earth!

Heron

Inhabits wetlands around the world!

Highland Cattle

Natively found in the Scottish Highlands!

Honey Bee

There are only 8 recognized species!

Honey Buzzard

Honey buzzards are medium-sized raptors that earned their names by raiding the nests of bees and wasps.

Hoopoe

Stunning bird with a stinky way to deter predators!

Horse

Has evolved over 50 million years!

Horsefly

Horseflies have been seen performing Immelmann turns, much like fighter jets.

Housefly

The fly has no teeth

Human

Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!

Huntsman Spider

Some huntsman spiders have an interesting way of moving around. Some cartwheel while others do handsprings or backflips.

Insects

There are an estimated 30 million species!

Jackdaw

The jackdaw tends to mate for life with a single partner

Jumping Spider

Some can jump 50 times the length of their bodies

King Eider

The species name, spectabilis, is Latin for “showy” or “remarkable,” referencing the attractiveness of the adult male’s plumage.

Kingfisher

Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!

Ladybug

There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Lazarus Lizard

Lazarus Lizards can communicate through chemical and visual signals.

Leech

Has 10 pairs of eyes!

Lemming

Does not hibernate during the bitter Arctic winter!

Linnet

While linnets are monogamous during mating season, they do not mate for life. While breeding pairs are together, the males are highly territorial and will defend the nesting site and the surrounding area.

Lizard

There are around 5,000 different species!

Loach

Have sharp spines below their eyes

Locust

Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day.

Long-Eared Owl

Ear tufts make it look bigger!

Long-Tailed Tit

Often hangs upside down while feeding!

Magpie

They are found across Europe, Asia and Africa!

Marsh Frog

Has bright green skin!

Mayfly

There are 2,500 known species worldwide!

Mealybug

They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.

Millipede

Some species have a poisonous bite!

Mole

Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!

Mole Cricket

Adult Mole crickets may fly as far as 5 miles during mating season and are active most of the year.

Mongrel

Has characteristics of two or more breeds!

Moorhen

Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!

Mosquito

Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood

Moth

There are 250,000 different species!

Mouse

Found on every continent on Earth!

Mule

The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!

Natterjack

Can lay up to 7500 eggs

Neanderthal

Roamed Asia and Europe for around 100,000 years!

Nematode

Nematodes range in size from 1/10 of an inch to 28 feet long

Newt

Able to regrow lost or damaged limbs!

Nightingale

Named more than 1,000 years ago!

No See Ums

There are more than 5,000 species.

Orb Weaver

Females are about four times the size of males

Ortolan Bunting

The tradition of hiding your face with a napkin or towel while eating this bird was begun by a priest who was a friend of the great French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin.

Osprey

They reuse nesting sites for 70 years!

Otter

There are 13 different species worldwide

Owl

The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees

Papillon

Originally called the Toy Spaniel, the Papillon is one of the oldest breeds in the toy group. They can be found in artwork dating back to the 16th century.

Parakeet

Monk parakeets are the only parakeets that actually build nests. They’re also the only parakeets to nest in great colonies.

Peppered Moth

Teachers in schools often use the evolution of the peppered moth as a good example of Darwin’s theory of natural selection.

Peregrine Falcon

Fastest animal on Earth

Pheasant

Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!

Pig

Thought to have been domesticated in 9,000 BC!

Pigeon

They can find their way back to their nests from up to 1300 miles away.

Pika

Found in mountainous regions and rocky areas

Pine Marten

A pine marten can jump from tree to tree similar to a squirrel.

Pompano Fish

They are bottom-feeders

Pond Skater

There are 500 different species!

Pool Frog

The rarest amphibian in the UK!

Porcupine

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Purple Emperor Butterfly

Inhabits deciduous forests!

Puss Moth

Caterpillars squirt formic acid!

Quahog Clam

Their hinged shell protects their soft body

Quail

Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Rabbit

There are more than 300 different species!

Raccoon

Known to wash their food before eating it!

Raccoon Dog

The only hibernating canine!

Rat

Omnivores that eat anything!

Red Deer

A male red deer shows his age in his antlers, which become longer and more branched every year.

Redback Spider

The redback spiders found in New Caledonia differ from other populations in that they don’t practice sexual cannibalism and don’t bite people as much.

Redstart

They build their nests off the ground in tree holes, cavities, stone walls, and roofs

River Turtle

Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!

Robin

There are more than 45 species in Australia alone!

Rodents

The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, likes to be in and around bodies of water. Because of this, the Catholic Church in South America decided that it was a fish, and people were allowed to eat it during Lent and First Fridays.

Roe Deer

The roe is one of the most popular game animals in Europe

Rooster

Will mate with the entire flock!

Rough-Legged Hawk (Rough-Legged Buzzard)

Its scientific name, lagopus, is Ancient Greek for “hare” and “foot,” referring to its feathered feet and toes.

Sable Ferret

Ferrets were used during the Revolutionary War to keep down the rat population.

Salamander

There are more than 700 different species!

Sand Crab

The sand crab burrows beneath the sand with its tail

Sand Lizard

Males turn green in spring!

Schipperke

Schipperkes were used to hunt and kill rodents on Belgian ships.

Scorpion

There are around 2,000 known species!

Sea Eagle

The sea eagle tends to mate for life with a single partner

Seahorse

Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!

Sheep

Around 35 million in the English countryside!

Short-Eared Owl

The short-eared owl is one of the most widespread owl species in the world, covering five continents.

Shrew

The spinal column of the shrew Scutisorex somereni is so strong and reinforced that it can support the weight of an adult human.

Shrimp

There are 2,000 different species worldwide!

Skink Lizard

Some skinks lay eggs in some habitats while giving birth to skinklets in other habitats.

Slow Worm

Found widely throughout British gardens!

Slug

They glide around on one foot, which is aided by the slime they produce

Smallmouth Bass

A fierce fighter!

Smokybrown Cockroach

Has up to 45 eggs per egg case

Snail

There are nearly 1,000 different species!

Snake

There are around 4,000 known species worldwide

Snowy Owl

One of the largest owl species in the world!

Song Thrush

A male song thrush can have over 100 phrases in his repertoire of songs and can imitate pet birds, telephones and other man-made objects.

Spadefoot Toad

They spend most of their time underground!

Sparrow

There are 140 different species!

Spider Wasp

They prey on spiders to feed their larvae or they parasitize other spider wasps.

Squirrel

Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!

Stag Beetle

The stag beetle consumes rotting and decaying wood when it is in the larva stage.

Stick Insect

There are more than 3,000 different species!

Stoat

Average adults weigh about 200 grams!

Stork

They can’t sing like other birds.

Swan

Populations have been affected by pollution!

Tawny Owl

The most widespread owl in Europe!

Teddy Bear Hamster

The oldest recorded teddy bear hamster was six and a half.

Termite

Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!

Thornback Ray

The skate with the biggest spines!

Thrush

The American robin is called the robin because its red breast reminded European settlers of the robin back in the old country.

Tick

They inject hosts with a chemical that stops them from feeling the pain of the bite

Tiger Beetle

The adult tiger beetle is one of the fastest land insects in the world

Tiger Moth

The bright colors of this moth are a signal to predators that it has a terrible taste.

Tortoise

Can live until they are more than 150 years old!

Tree Cricket

They make music with their wings

Tree Frog

Found in warmer jungles and forests!

Turtles

Some species of aquatic turtles can get up to 70 percent of their oxygen through their butt.

Viper

Vipers are one of the most widespread groups of snakes and inhabit most

Vulture

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Wasp

There are around 75,000 recognised species!

Water Buffalo

Has been domesticated for thousands of years!

Water Vole

The largest Vole species in the UK!

Wax Moth

The Wax Moth larvae are more dangerous than the adult.

Weasel

The smallest carnivorous mammal in the world!

White Ferret / Albino Ferrets

There are two different types of white ferrets!

Wild Boar

Males have a top tusk to sharpen the bottom one!

Wolf

Thought to date back more than 300,000 years!

Wolf Spider

Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.

Woodlouse

This animal can roll up into a ball

Woodlouse Spider

Unlike most spiders, woodlouse spiders don’t build a web.

Woodpecker

There are 200 different species!

Woolly Rhinoceros

The woolly rhinoceros roamed the earth between three and a half million and 14,000 years ago.

Worm

Doesn’t have eyes.

Wryneck

They feign death by making their bodies limp and closing their eyes.

Xeme (Sabine’s Gull)

They follow after seals and whales to eat their scraps.

Yellowhammer

It interbreeds with the pine bunting

Belgian Animals List

Share this post on:
About the Author

Melissa Bauernfeind was born in NYC and got her degree in Journalism from Boston University. She lived in San Diego for 10 years and is now back in NYC. She loves adventure and traveling the world with her husband but always misses her favorite little man, "P", half Chihuahua/half Jack Russell, all trouble. She got dive-certified so she could dive with the Great White Sharks someday and is hoping to swim with the Orcas as well.

Animals In Belgium FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are there poisonous snakes in Belgium?

Belgium is home to one poisonous snake. The common adder has a thick body, and it can grow up to 24-inches long. You can find it in many various locations across the country. This snake is active during the day.

Did any animal breeds start in Belgium?

Yes, many animal breeds got their first start in Belgium. The Belgian Blue cow got started in the northern part of the country during the 19th century. At least 10 dog breeds began in Belgium, including bloodhounds, Belgian mastiffs, Bichon Frises and Papillons. The country is famous for creating the Belgian workhorse.