The Public Service of Wallonia, through its wolf network, has announced the expansion of the permanent presence zones (ZPP) for the Saint-Hubert and Hautes Fagnes massifs. These adjustments follow observed developments in the wolf population's territory in Wallonia.
Being part of a ZPP offers breeders specific support to prevent predation risks. This assistance includes advice for herd protection, risk analyses, loan of equipment such as electric fencing, and subsidies for sustainable protection measures. Priority is given to sheep and goat farms, which are most vulnerable to wolf attacks.
Regarding the Saint-Hubert ZPP, initially established on December 22, 2025, following confirmation of the sustained presence of a wolf pair filmed on December 16, 2025, its area has increased from 25,700 hectares to 36,719 hectares. This expansion accounts for new presence indicators detected outside the initial boundaries and affects, in whole or in part, the municipalities of La Roche-en-Ardenne, Libramont-Chevigny, Marche-en-Famenne, Nassogne, Rendeux, Sainte-Ode, Saint-Hubert, Tellin, and Tenneville.
For the Hautes Fagnes ZPP, defined in October 2020 and initially occupied by the wolf Akela and its pack, several successive enlargements have occurred. Following an initial expansion in February 2022 (57,905 ha) due to the establishment of a new wolf in the adjacent 'Nord Eifel' territory, then in June 2022 (60,691 ha) and June 2025 (63,426 ha) due to new presence indicators at the ZPP's edge, the ZPP now covers 70,064 hectares. This latest expansion, dating from September 2026, follows the detection of new wolf presence indicators in its northwestern periphery. The affected municipalities, in whole or in part, are Baelen, Büllingen, Bütgenbach, Dison, Eupen, Herve, Jalhay, Limbourg, Malmédy, Raeren, Spa, Stavelot, Theux, Thimister-Clermont, Verviers, Waimes, and Welkenraedt.
All detailed information regarding ZPPs, including zone mapping and the list of wolf packs present in Wallonia, is available on the website of the Public Service of Wallonia.
