Rats, mice, pigeons, Asian chamois, crows, cockroaches, even foxes, hedgehogs and weasels do not always have good press in our cities. But are these animals called “harmful” really that? This is the subject of a conference that the Brussels Environment is holding on Monday 2 May as part of Nature Month. Thomas Jean wants to be at the microphone: the animal videographer behind the La Minute Sauvage capsules on Youtube is therefore dismantling some of the most stubborn clichés about these species.
Thomas Jean, why are we talking about “harmful” animals?
Why do we use it then?
“Of course we think of pigeons that damage architecture. Like rats and foxes, they also represent a health risk. Really, but measured. Even weak. That said, if we promote their presence, we increase our cohabitation. And if one day, “If a pathogen appears that can be transmitted to humans, these species could pose a risk. This is the most plausible scenario for the coronavirus crisis.”
How would such an agent be transferred?
“It’s most likely excrement in the homes.”
Why are these animals reproducing in Brussels?
“There are two factors. First, the destruction of the last wild green areas, such as Josaphat Wasteland. Why? Because it reduces the diversity of species that need these areas for food and nesting. Rats, pigeons, corvettes “Crows, ravens, skaters do not have such needs. They adapt more easily to mineralized environments. That’s how we find the fox everywhere on the planet. There are only a maximum of two pairs on Friche Josaphat, while there are dozens in the Uccle districts and Woluwe.”
And the second factor?
“It’s the management of organic waste. Rats, corvettes, pigeons, foxes prefer the street for food: they easily find all the food they need there. For them, our bins are the least energy-intensive food sources. In parks and public spaces , eat the discarded crispy packets or finish our durums. “
This leads to reconsidering the harmful nature of these animals.
“Moles represent an aesthetic and practical nuisance, mainly for the maintenance of private gardens. They nevertheless participate in the aeration of the soil. However, they are rare in public parks, which are like monocultures that interest them a little. D” so much as their soil is too compacted. But in my opinion, it is obsolete to maintain a park like a golf course, even if it is in decline. “
What remedies are used against “harmful” species?
Do you prefer a different path?
And cherish the wilderness?
“Yes, because these areas are not of interest to pests. And the more they compete with other wildlife, the less they will reproduce. More wilderness means fewer rats, foxes, pigeons.”