Something is happening in the German animal world: Thanks to reintroduction projects and a new “welcoming culture”, old species are settling down again and new animal residents have also been recorded. What does this change? How do people react? And how will these animals change our country’s ecosystems? In the February issue, bild der Wissenschaft is dedicated to the aspects that wild life brings with it in the environment shaped by civilization. In addition to the animals, the focus is on the people who take care of them, research them – or have problems with them.
For many centuries man has left his mark on nature in Europe and especially in Germany: no ecosystems or animal populations are still as they originally were. After humans have been largely inconsiderate for a long time, the view of nature has changed significantly, especially in the last century. There are now more environmental, nature and species protection projects than ever before. They are dedicated to the new challenges in nature conservation of our time – but some are also specifically dedicated to “reparation”.
In this context, in the first article of the two-part title topic, the bdw author Christian Jung focuses on some prominent wild animals, which conservationists in Germany are trying to reintroduce or increase their populations. It starts with the “funny bird” that adorns the cover of the February issue: the bald ibis. An elaborate project is dedicated to the goal of giving this migratory bird a home again in Germany and Austria. Jung reports on the special challenges and the successes of the committed friends of the Waldrapps, who even fly over the Alps together with the birds.
Comebacks with challenges
In the article “Wildes Deutschland” the author also reports on the fate and future of bird of prey species. According to this, there is hope for white-tailed eagles & Co. Also the efforts and challenges in the resettlement of the largest European land mammal are in focus: Two bison herds are now trampling through German forests again. The wildcat, on the other hand, is light-footed. Due to conservation efforts, the population of this once almost extinct wild animal is also growing. As far as the general potential of German ecosystems is concerned, Jung comes to the conclusion: If you let them live here and support them sensibly, our cultural landscape also offers enough space for wild animals.
In the second part of the title topic, Jung deals specifically with the developments in the larger predators: Wolf, brown bear and lynx roam through some parts of Germany again through targeted funding or tolerated immigration. Besides them, a new animal has crept in: The golden jackal is increasingly being sighted and will probably be able to establish itself here in the course of global warming, reports the author.
In addition to the special development processes in the larger predators, Jung also clarifies the sometimes delicate challenges in the context of animal-human relationships. In addition, some surprising changes in the ecosystems can be expected when the big predators spread again. Sometimes surprising interactions could also arise, according to the article “In the forest, there are the robbers”.
The cover story can be found in the February issue of bild der Wissenschaft, which will be available in stores from January 19th.