Annoying Nile geese: a problem for Baden-Württemberg and its meadows

Annoying Nile geese: a problem for Baden-Württemberg and its meadows

The Nilgans has increased rapidly in Baden-Württemberg and is increasingly causing problems in nature and leisure activities outdoors. This immigrated bird species damages agricultural areas and leaves unsightly traces through their feces in many places that attract visitors, such as swimming lakes and swimming pools. This development causes concern for both the residents and the municipalities.

Rapid increase in the Nilgans population

The documentation about the reproduction and spread of NileGans shows that the population in Germany, especially in Baden-Württemberg, has increased significantly in recent years. Klaus Lachenmaier, an expert in wildlife monitoring, makes it clear that the Nilgans are growing as quickly as possible among the birds living in Germany. The official figures already prove over 2,000 Nile geese in the hunting year 2022/2023, which corresponds to an increase of twelve percent compared to the 1,806 animals in the previous year.

Measures of the city administrations

Cities like Stuttgart and Heidelberg have taken limited measures to regulate the population. In order to carry out hunting interventions in better populated areas, special permits are necessary. During the last hunting season, 27 Nile geese and 77 animals were killed in Stuttgart. In Heidelberg, the authorities use special machines to remove the goose droppings on public areas.

Evaluation of the ecological influence

The Ornithologist Friederike Woog from the Natural History Museum Stuttgart points out that the effects of the Nile goose on the ecosystem should not be overestimated. These animals are visible in public, but there are other invasive types that cause stronger ecological changes, such as the three-cante or quaggamicchel, which have a negative impact on Lake Constance.

View of future developments

Another aspect that Lachenmaier appeals, is the possible increase in a new geese type-the rust goose. This species is also spreading in South Baden-Württemberg and could bring additional challenges. Earlier wildlife reports predict a further increase in access numbers until the next publication in 2025, which means that the authorities may soon be faced with new problems.

Protection and regulatory methods

In order to counter the challenge with the Nilgänen, Lachenmaier demands an extension of the hunting season so that the population is more effective. The geese can currently be hunted from August 1 to February 15th. However, he emphasizes that any measures only serve to limit the damage and cannot prevent the Nilgans' sudden increase in increasing increase.

The Nilgans has therefore come to remain, and their spread is both a challenge and a significant impact on the local environment. The constant adaptation of the strategies to regulate their number will be an important task. <

- Nag