Marternetwerk - Observations of small and medium-sized carnivores in Flanders, Belgium

The network aims to document species distribution by integrating diverse observation sources while avoiding duplicate records. Because intentional killing of native species is prohibited, the collection of roadkill and other found-dead specimens is essential for obtaining reliable biological and ecological information.

Since 2008, online reporting platforms and the use of camera traps have improved monitoring of common species, leading to a shift in focus toward rare and expanding species. For these species, systematic validation of observations and autopsies of collected specimens remain key to assessing population trends and supporting further research. For common species, the continued annual collection of a limited number of specimens represents a valuable continuation and enrichment of existing collections, which can be used for further research into, among other topics, ecotoxicology, wildlife diseases, and genetics.