Poster 25: Asian chipmunks in de Panne (Belgium): is a population explosion likely?

Asian chipmunks are imported in Belgium as pets since the early sixties. Now there are 4 free-living populations in Belgium, one of them in the Calmeynbos (De Panne). In their original distribution area these animals can, at high densities, cause a lot of damage to agricultural fields. In the Zoniënwoud (Brussels), a negative influence on some ground breeding birds is suggested, but not proven. But, even without proof and especially during years with low seed production and high chipmunk densities, one can imagine the negative effect on other seed-eating animals. A first step for a more specific study on the interaction of chipmunks with the forestal ecological system is this estimate - by transect counts and capture-mark-recapture - of chipmunk numbers and distribution, conducted in fall 1998-2001 in the Calmeynbos. This very local and isolated chipmunk population seems to be kept in line by environmental factors, which makes their extermination less urgent than other, already very large populations (like in the Zoniënwoud). Nevertheless, the public should already be made aware of the damage these very cute animals may cause when they reach high densities. But to substantiate this scenario to really convince people, much more elaborated research will be necessary in future.