Zoo Leipzig: Successful birth of Feldhamstern in the species protection project

Zoo Leipzig: Successful birth of Feldhamstern in the species protection project

The Leipzig zoo has reason to be happy: a gratifying offspring saw the light of day. This gratifying message marks a significant success in the context of a fundamental species protection project for the endangered field hamster. In particular, the Saxon State Ministry of Energy, Climate Protection, Environment and Agriculture and the Leipzig Zoo are committed to the preservation of this lovable animal species.

Meaning of the youngsters for species protection

Feldhamster are among the once widespread animals, the stocks of which have dropped dramatically in recent years. The reasons for this are above all climate change and the loss of habitats. The birth of the small field hamster is the result of a committed cooperation project that not only aims to maintain the species, but also actively contributes to the restoration of natural habitats. This also means securing many other animal and plant species that are at home in the field.

Community engagement for the Feldhamster

The species protection project is not only an initiative of the zoo, but a joint project that also includes local farmers. These provide important release areas and actively contribute to improving the living conditions of the field hamster. Farmers like André Kleiber are proud to contribute to rescue of the species through their “field hamster -friendly management”. "Many other local mammals, bird and insect species also find a nutritious habitat in the flower and lucerne strips as well as in winter cereals," explains Kleiber.

successes by technology

A pleasant aspect of the project is the viewing of the first young animals, which were documented with the help of wild cameras on the release area in northern Saxony. These technologies make it possible to better understand the development and behavior of the animals, which in turn contributes to ensuring their successful release. "I am happy about the growth of hamsters and I would like as many other young animals as possible," says the Saxon Environment Minister Wolfram Günther.

Future of the Feldhamster in Saxony

The long -term goal of the project is to create suitable living conditions in order to establish a stable and survival -capable population of field hamsters in the Saxon occurrence area. The close cooperation between nature conservation and agriculture has contributed significantly to improving the situation since 2008. The role of the Leipzig Zoo as a breeding station and cooperation partner is of central importance.

- Nag