Frankfurt remains with Nilgans-successful measures in the Ostpark

Frankfurt remains with Nilgans-successful measures in the Ostpark

in Frankfurt is the discussion about the Nilgans, a bird species that has become more and more present in the city in recent years. The Nile geese populate parks, banks and even outdoor pool meadows and obviously enjoy great popularity. Under the new environmental director Tina Zapf-Rodríguez, however, the strategy of the city remains to drive away these birds by giving away, instead of kills. This raises questions about how the increasing population should be dealt with and which strategies are actually effective.

The original plan of the Hessian state government to put Nile geese back on the list of hunting species is not fully taken into account in Frankfurt. The environmental department, represented by spokeswoman Susanne Schierwater, emphasizes that the protection status of the geese in settlement areas brings juicy regulations. For safety reasons, hunting animals are not permitted in these areas anyway. Shooting would only be possible in certain months and with the approval of the lower hunting authority.

Success in the Ostpark: Model project against the Nilgans

in the Ostpark, a central recreation area in Frankfurt, the city initiated corresponding measures to excrete the Nile geese. The “Nilgans management” model project was launched in 2018 to keep the birds away from popular lawn. A 400 meter long fence, which has been changed several times and was adapted to infrastructure, serves to prevent the geese on the lawns. This measure together with an adaptation of the mowing intervals has already shown success: The entire goose population on the lawn could be reduced by about two thirds.

, however, according to Schierwater, the measures successfully implemented in the Ostpark are not easily transferred to other parks. There are no suitable areas for the geese there. This could face challenges, especially in heavily frequented areas, where the animals are also granted access to food.

One of the controversial problems confronted by the city of Frankfurt is the feeding of the Nile geese by citizens. Despite several campaigns and signs that prohibit feeding, it is difficult to change people's behavior. Thomas Norgall from the federal government in Hesse confirms that this unchecked feeding has a significant impact on the growth of the Nile Population. The inventory rose from only 500 to 700 couples in 2014 to an estimated 1500 to 2000 couples in 2021.

environmental protection and hunting measures

The discussion about the Nile geese is not only limited to local conditions, but also reflects a more comprehensive debate about environmental protection. While some experts consider the Nilgans as an invasive way, there are others who indicate the positive aspects of bird species. The paths, as the municipalities deal with such challenges, are fundamental to nature conservation.

a look ahead

The Nilgans will remain a topic in the city in the future. The challenge of finding a balance between the protection of the species and the quality of life for citizens will be crucial for future environmental policy in Frankfurt. Innovative approaches that take both human needs into account and take into account nature conservation could be the key to harmonious cooperation. The examination of the Nilgans topic shows how flexible and responsive the city administration can react to the needs of its residents and the requirements of nature conservation.

The Nilgans, scientifically known as * alopoche aegyptiaca *, is originally located in Africa and parts of southern Europe. As early as the 20th century, it was introduced to Europe as an ornamental bird, and since then her population has increased significantly. Due to its adaptability and its high reproductive rate, the Nilgans has become a widespread sight in many urban areas. In Germany, the Nilgans are seen as a potentially invasive way because it competes with local bird species and could have negative effects on local ecosystems. According to the Federal Office for Nature Conservation, the species in the “Red List of endangered species” is not classified as threatened, but there are growing concerns about the ecological consequences of their distribution.

A central aspect in dealing with the Nile goose is the discussion about environmental management strategies. The widespread problem of feeding wild birds by people contributes significantly to the local population increase. The problems caused by feeding Nilgänen are diverse and include not only overpopulation, but also the pollution of public spaces by feces. A educational concept initiated by the city of Frankfurt tries to inform citizens about how they can contribute to reducing the problem.

The role of education and education

The city of Frankfurt has taken measures to sensitize the population to the challenges of the Nile geese. Especially educational campaigns should raise awareness that feeding wild geese does not only hold health risks for the birds themselves, but also for humanity. In addition, information materials such as folding sheets and posters have been implemented in the urban area, which are intended to encourage citizens to adhere to the rules of wildlife feeding.

In order to support these efforts, workshops and information events are organized in local schools and community centers. The aim of these initiatives is to create a better understanding of the ecology and the way of life of the Nilgans, which should help in the long term to keep the population more controlled.

summary of the challenges and successes

Nilgans management in Frankfurt presents the city with numerous challenges. Despite the success in the Ostpark, the problem of overpopulation and the associated negative effects remains. The feeding mentioned by passers -by must be regulated more in order to sustainably support the measures to scare it. In addition, the urban authorities and nature conservation organizations must continue to work together to develop effective solutions.

It remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the coming years, especially against the background of the impending climate changes, which can also affect fundamentally biological populations. The long -term challenge will be to find a balance that takes into account both nature conservation and the interests of people in urban areas.