Wolf in the Southern Palatinate: First DNA evidence causes excitement!

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A wolf was found in the southern Palatinate between Germersheim and Offenbach. DNA analyzes clarify his identity.

Ein Wolf wurde in der Südpfalz zwischen Germersheim und Offenbach nachgewiesen. DNA-Analysen klären seine Identität.
A wolf was found in the southern Palatinate between Germersheim and Offenbach. DNA analyzes clarify his identity.

Wolf in the Southern Palatinate: First DNA evidence causes excitement!

A unique natural spectacle is currently taking place in the Southern Palatinate. A wolf whose identity was unclear for a long time is roaming between Bellheim in the Germersheim district and Offenbach in the Südliche Weinstrasse district. The animal had only been tracked down through photographs so far. But now there is finally progress thanks to a fecal sample that was found at the end of July. This is available to the Lynx and Wolf Coordination Center (Kluwo) and is currently undergoing genetic analysis, reports Rhine Palatinate.

The Kluwo has also made it clear that this wolf is not the animal that was spotted in the north of the Palatinate in the spring. The genetic analyzes show that the two wolves belong to different populations. The individualization and gender determination of the fecal sample are currently still being processed, and it remains to be seen what findings the examination will provide.

About the wolf records in Rhineland-Palatinate

Wolves have been a recurring topic in Rhineland-Palatinate in recent years. Facts and figures on wolf evidence were collected by the relevant institutions. Already at the beginning of 2024, numerous evidence was found in Altenkirchen-Flammersfeld, Neuwied and other regions. For example, from January 4th to 7th, 2024, a camera trap was set up in Altenkirchen, which registered a total of five wolves Research in the forest of Rhineland-Palatinate reported.

  • Einige Beispiele von Wolfsnachweisen:
  • 2024-01-04: Altenkirchen-Flammersfeld, 1 Wolf via Fotofalle
  • 2024-01-08: Altenkirchen-Flammersfeld, Fotofalle registriert 2 Wölfe
  • 2024-04-01: Vulkaneifel-Gerolstein, 1 Wolf via Fotofalle

This evidence shows that wolves are on the rise in Rhineland-Palatinate and their habitats are gradually expanding. This is also reflected in the various observations throughout the year.

The challenges for the population

Although the return of wolves delights many nature lovers, it also poses challenges for the local population, especially farmers. Incidents of wolves attacking livestock are increasing. It is therefore important for residents to find out about the correct approach to dealing with these animals and to take protective measures.

The dynamic situation surrounding wolves in the Southern Palatinate remains exciting. The Kluwo will continue to monitor developments and inform the population about new findings. With a little patience and precision, we may soon receive the results of the genetic analysis of the fecal sample.