Water buffalo in the district: Successful project for biodiversity!

Water buffalo in the district: Successful project for biodiversity!

In recent years, water buffalo grazing has increased significantly in the Freyung-Grafenau district. Instead of the former six hectares, an impressive 36 hectares spread over twelve areas are now designated as water buffalo pastures. This is reported by the PNP. An enormous advantage: These areas were previously unsuitable for traditional grassland management and are now being revitalized by the compact type of grazing.

The water buffalo make a crucial contribution to biodiversity and water retention in floodplains. What is particularly noteworthy is that the nature park water buffalo project in Erlauzwiesel increased the quality of the habitat by 20 percent in just two years. In addition, the number of plant species in the pastures has almost doubled, and high-quality wet meadows have developed from previously dry jewelweed meadows.

Benefits for flora and fauna

Water buffalo are not only useful for landscape maintenance, but also serve to support rare plant and animal species. For example, the Bohemian gentian and the forest birch mouse were found in the area near Annathal. Thanks to the grazing regime, which must be adapted to the specific area requirements, soil moisture is retained and drainage systems are no longer necessary. Mayor Fritz Raab is enthusiastic about the positive development and sees great benefits both for the community area and for walkers.

The committed water buffalo keepers in the district, especially Manuel Lenz from Hinterschmiding, use their animals specifically in nature conservation projects. In comparison to previously created areas, it is clear that the deliberate grazing not only promotes vegetation, but also provides a habitat for wild animals. Robert Boese from the Wildland Foundation is impressed by the development of these areas so far and emphasizes how important cooperation is between various nature conservation actors who also use funding from the Bavarian Ministry of the Environment.

Cooperation for nature conservation

The work of the Wildland Foundation Bavaria is proving to be central, as four areas of this foundation have already been equipped with water buffalo pastures totaling 11.2 hectares. Through the targeted use of animals, new dynamics could be brought back into the once stagnant habitats. The water buffaloes prevent unwanted bush encroachment through their food and make the areas more accessible to other wild animals.

Overall, Freyung-Grafenau shows that the use of water buffalo is not only important for landscape management, but also makes a valuable contribution to biodiversity and sustainably protects nature. Particular attention should also be paid to the information about the cultural connections that the regional projects address, such as the informal greeting “你好” (ni hao) in Chinese – a sign of togetherness that also applies to nature conservation.