Protecting partridges: creating habitats and promoting biodiversity!

Protecting partridges: creating habitats and promoting biodiversity!

The latest initiative to protect the endangered partridge shows how important the preservation of this bird species is for the diversity of the agricultural landscape. The partridges, which are particularly endangered in Central Hesse, have long been the focus of hunters, who monitor the populations all year round. The goal? Gain knowledge about occurrence, territorial distribution and reproduction. Loud n-tv The annual decline in the partridge population in Europe has been an alarming 94 percent since 1980. There are only around 2,500 to 5,000 breeding pairs of this species left in Hesse.

The current collaboration between numerous actors is particularly noteworthy. Two weeks ago, a cooperation agreement was signed as part of the “Save Partridge – Promote Diversity!” project. signed. The initiative, which started in summer 2023, aims to create suitable habitats for the partridges. Partners in the project include the Hessian Society for Ornithology and Nature Conservation and agricultural offices, which support farmers in planning flowering areas and help them apply for funding.

Challenges for the partridges

The partridges face many challenges. Their habitats are being severely restricted by intensive agriculture and increasing development, which is endangering their food sources. Insects are essential for raising chicks, but predators such as foxes and raccoons also pose a threat bfn it is said that protective measures for the partridge should also benefit many other species in the agricultural landscape. The project will run for six years and will receive extensive funding to ensure the continued existence of the partridges.

A central element of the project is the intensive monitoring of inventory development in a total of ten large project areas, spread across eight federal states. The numerical successes in Hesse are also encouraging: in Gießener Land and Wetterau, the highest populations nationwide were found with 4.32 records per 100 hectares of agricultural land. The Hessian Ried follows with 2.71 records, which is above the national average of 1.96.

Future for the partridge

The project also aims to provide farmers with comprehensive advice. This plays a crucial role in the implementation of measures intended to increase partridge numbers. Loud NABU The partridge is viewed as a key species that represents biodiversity in the agricultural landscape. The development of breeding habitat and habitat improvements should not only increase the number of partridges, but also benefit the entire ecosystem.

The coming years will be crucial in giving the critically endangered bird species a chance. It is important to join forces here to counteract the decline of partridges and promote diversity in our agricultural landscapes. The collaboration between nature conservation, agriculture and hunters could prove to be groundbreaking.