Zoo Leipzig fights for the field hamster - a call for species protection

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Von: Kl Redaktion

in the Leipzig zoo, a unique initiative is based on a decisive contribution to saving an endangered animal species. The MDR podcast "Elefant, Tiger & Co.", which runs as part of the popular zoo broadcast, is devoted to a special episode of the mission of the zoo, in particular the protection of the field hamster. This little rodent, which was once considered a plague, has dramatically lost population in recent years and is now one of the most endangered animals in Germany.

by the podcast, moderated by Dirk Hentze, listeners get an intensive insight into the working method of zoo employees. With an urgent speech, Hentze began the episode in the Gondwanaland and described the sobering situation of the Feldhamster: "Today it is about an animal that could not be exotic but exotic." Together with Thomas Liebenstein, a biologist and species protection project manager, the urgency of the situation in which this animal species is located.

The role of the field hamster in the ecosystem

Liebenstein explains that Feldhamster take on an essential function in their habitat. Their deep buildings not only help with ventilation of the soil, but also promote water permeability. These natural activities of the field hamsters contribute significantly to biodiversity in agriculture and nature. "Wiesen and fields that are managed in a field hamster offer living space for many insects and birds," explains Liebenstein. The return of the field hamster could not only be an advantage for himself, but for the entire ecosystem.

The drastic decrease in the field hamster population, which is now only valued at around 10,000 to 15,000 individuals, has many causes. Above all, the area sealing through urbanization and climate change have led to this alarming decline. For example, the increasing temperature in the summer months forces the animals to adapt to changed living conditions, which endangers their reproduction and thus the survival of the species.

The efforts in species protection

In May 2024, a milestone in the Protection of Species of the Leipzig Zoo - the planned exhaustion of the first offspring of Feldhamstern is expected. A wild camera is expected to document the first encounter with the newly born young animals; An event that Liebenstein is visibly proud of. To support breeding, a special breeding station was set up in 2022 that has a central importance for the survival of the species.

Despite the promising developments, the species protectionists face huge challenges. Critical voices from the population question the benefits of the project and demand more transparency and information. But the employees of the species protection project are unimpressed by the doubts and remain motivated: "I am totally fire and flame for this work," says Liebenstein, determined and proves how important their commitment to the environment is.

outlook on the future of the Feldhamster

The protection of the field hamster in the Leipzig zoo exemplifies the continuing difficulties in species protection in times of climate change. While the breeding programs and protective projects are progressing, it is essential that solutions for the challenges of climate change are also found. The continuing support from the public and education about the importance of species such as the field hamster could be crucial for the future of these animals. Every little commitment and every single voice can help to raise awareness of the natural habitat and the protection of endangered species. The Leipzig Zoo proves that local initiatives can make a global difference if they face the difficulties with determination and innovation.

The role of breeding station in species protection

The breeding station for Feldhamster in the Leipzig Zoo was set up with the aim of actively supporting the population of this threatened way. Opened in 2022, it enables the controlled breeding and breeding of Feldhamstern, which can then be released into suitable habitats. This is done under strict scientific requirements and in cooperation with various nature conservation organizations and universities to ensure a genetically healthy population.

The breeding station also offers educational programs for school classes and interested parties to raise awareness of species protection. Through these initiatives, not only scientific research is carried out, but also the general public is sensitized to the challenges that the field hamsters face.

The importance of biodiversity

biodiversity plays a crucial role in the stability of ecosystems. According to the World Biodiversity Council (IPBES), a high biodiversity is necessary to ensure the resilience of ecosystems compared to environmental changes. The decline in a species like the field hamster has consequences to the entire food chain. These small rodents are not only important for soil processing, but also food source for numerous predators. The loss of this kind could therefore not only have local effects, but also lead to national changes in the ecosystem. The Leipzig zoo proactively responds to this problem with targeted species protection measures to promote and maintain biodiversity.

In order to illustrate the importance of biodiversity, the breeding station refers to scientific data, which show the connection between the decline of species and the increase in environmental risks. The destruction of habitats, the minimization of genetic diversity and the changes due to climate change endanger many types and thus also the people themselves.

Current statistics and numbers for the threat of species

In order to support the urgency of the situation, current data from the Federal Office for Nature Conservation (BFN) show that around 40% of the domestic mammals are at risk in Germany. The field hamster in particular is listed by the red list of endangered species and requires targeted measures to stabilize its population. The estimated number of field hamsters in Germany fell from over 200,000 individuals in the 1970s to only about 10-15,000. These alarming numbers prove the urgent need for action in species protection.

Additional studies have shown that the loss of species in agriculture is particularly pronounced, with intensive agricultural land and the main cause. According to the German Farmers' Association, 50% of the field hamster population have been lost in the past 20 years, which clearly indicates the challenges with which nature conservation projects such as those of the Leipzig zoos are confronted.