Steinkauz project in Heidelberg: Successful return of the owl species

Steinkauz project in Heidelberg: Successful return of the owl species

In the Rhein-Neckar area, a remarkable change has taken place: the population of the stone owl, a small species of owls, which was threatened a few years ago, is experiencing a moving return. Thanks to the species protection project "Together for the Stone Cauz", which was launched by local nature conservation associations and the Heidelberg Zoo, at least ten breeding pairs raised 47 young animals this year. This is an impressive result, especially when you consider that in 2020 only one breeding pair in the region was known.

The concerns about the survival of the stone owl have been tangible in recent years. In 2020, the species in the region almost disappeared. In order to stabilize the stock of the stone owl, numerous organizations merged. Under the direction of Michael Ziara, the chairman of the Bund Ortsverband Dossenheim, the Zoo Heidelberg and numerous groups of the BUND and NABU are committed to saving the way and survival.

successful release and research

A positive surprise recently in one of the nesting aids: shortly before the breeding season, the supervisors discovered a stone cozy branch, which was released into freedom as a nesting last year. This shows impressively that the special release method of the project has an effect. This year a total of 40 young animals were ranged, and the increase in breeding pairs is partially attributed to a rich food offer, especially on mice and Maikäger.

The first findings of stone ceaes from recent years are particularly valuable for science. These observations provide important findings about the migration behavior and the breeding population of the species. Among the rediscovered animals, there was also a female from the Heidelberg Zoo, which settled only a few meters from its original nesting location and successfully talled up four young animals. This progress is particularly important for the genetic diversity in the region, which has been at risk in recent years.

The peculiarity of the project is in the so -called supplementation. Young birds hatched in the zoo, at the age of three weeks, are set in nests of wild stone crews, which only a few offspring have successfully raised. In this way, the nestlings grow up directly in their future habitat and can quickly escape into the wilderness. This method promotes the genetic health of the population and contributes to the increase in young talent.

outlook for the future

Success this year brings great anticipation for the upcoming breeding sides. For example, four other stone owls from the zoo have already been successfully released into the wilderness in May. It can be assumed that these animals select their own territory near their birth in their first lifetime and that they may be able to form their own breeding pairs next year. The optimism is noticeable: Dr. Klaus Wünnemann from the Heidelberg Zoo proudly commented on the previous successes: "We are proud to have contributed to the support of the inventory, and the great success this year is confident."

The species protection project "Together for the Stone Cauz" and the associated achievements show how successful cooperation in nature conservation work can be. The diversity and commitment of nature lovers in the region have launched the stone owl again, and the story continues. If everyone involved continues to work together and pay attention to the needs of this type of owl, nothing stands in the way of long -term stability of the stone owl population in the metropolitan region.

The Steinkauz, also known as Athene Noctua, is an owl species that occurs particularly in open landscapes and agricultural areas. Its existence is considerably jeopardized by the loss of habitats, intensive agriculture and the decline in food resources. The species protection projects such as "Together for the Stone Cauz" are crucial for the restoration of stable populations and offer important findings about the ecological state of regional habitats.

Over the past few decades, numerous occurrence of rare bird species, including the stone owl, has decreased alarming. However, the increase of 47 young animals this year shows the positive effects of targeted nature conservation measures and the importance of local cooperation projects between nature conservation associations and zoological institutions. Such projects not only strengthen the stocks of endangered species, but also promote public awareness of nature conservation.

The role of food resources

Michael Ziara, the chairman of the Bund branch of Dossenheim, has already pointed out a key factor for the increase in the stone owl population: the extensive food offer. The availability of mice and maicakers affects the breeding and survival rates of the birds directly. In recent years there have been regional changes in agriculture that may have improved the livelihoods for these animals. Sustainable handling of agricultural areas could continue to have a positive impact on owl population.

In addition, securing the habitat plays a central role. The maintenance of meadows, the creation of dead wood structures and the care of open landscapes not only promote the stone kit, but also a variety of other animal and plant species. By supporting communities and farmers, an inclusive approach in nature conservation is sought.

scientific observations and future perspectives

The data collected by the project "Together for the Stone Cauciat" are of great importance for ornithology and species protection. The research and monitoring of the owls enable researchers to examine trends in migration behavior and changes in habitat use. This information is not only important for understanding the stone owl populations, but can also be transferred to other endangered species.

For the future, the progress of the species protection project is hopeful. Dealing with the challenges of biodiversity will be crucial to ensure long -term stable bird populations. With the support of the population and through creative management strategies, the habitat for stone owls and other endangered species can be secured. The close cooperation between different actors is the key to success.