Mesenberg in focus: Conservationists demand the return of the tanks!

Mesenberg in focus: Conservationists demand the return of the tanks!

In Cologne there is news from the nature conservation front that is of interest to all nature enthusiasts. Conservationist Kurt Valerius from NABU recently went to the Mesenberg nature reserve to look for fairy crabs. This small aquatic crab, which was first discovered in Wengerohr in the 1970s, has seen a sharp decline in population in recent years. Valerius' goal is to restore the population of these fascinating animals, but there are some challenges to overcome.

The Mesenberg has an eventful history that dates back to the period after the Second World War. It used to be a military training area used by French troops, which led to the creation of the ponds that exist today. These ponds are important habitats not only for fairy crabs, but also for yellow-bellied toads, of which no evidence has been provided for several years. Despite all the efforts of the Structure and Approval Directorate (SGD) North, which has carried out biotope maintenance measures over the last 15 years, the ponds are facing extinction. The poor meadows are rapidly disappearing and the future of the biotope is uncertain.

Return of the military?

Another point that worries conservationists is the possible reuse of the Mesenberg by the Bundeswehr. The area has become an important nature reserve since the withdrawal of French troops in 1998, but it is now on a list for possible future military use. Valerius and other conservationists are calling for military navigation to preserve the biotope to be possible again, as they hope these measures could bring back the fairy crab population. However, in 2024, part of the site was gravelled, which had a negative impact on the biotope. SGD Nord, on the other hand, sees no problem in the combination of military and nature conservation.

Although the situation at Mesenberg is tense, there is still hope that the fairy crabs will appear again next year. “I really hope we see the little crabs again soon,” says Valerius. Nature is a bit unpredictable, but the conservationists don't give up. They work tirelessly to preserve these valuable habitats and are willing to get their hands dirty to save the biotope.

The discussion about the future of the Mesenberg is just one of many current topics in the region. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether the fairy crabs have a chance of a comeback. Until then, it will be exciting to see what measures will be taken to protect the flora and fauna in this unique region.