Our domestic gardens house a frequently underestimated animal diversity. In order to draw attention to these often overlooked roommates, the Heinz Sielmann Foundation has been calling for the election of a garden animal of the year since 2010. In 2025, six candidates are available with the sparrow, the garden sleeper, the skull fly, the grass frog, the extension foot and the hub snail. The vote runs until June 3.
Since 2010, the Heinz Sielmann Foundation has been committed to the garden animal of the year for nature -related gardening with the annual election and would like to draw more attention to those living things that inhabit our gardens. “Many people do not even know what a fascinating variety of animals and plants lives in our domestic gardens. With the choice of garden animals, we would therefore like to draw attention to the often hidden world of garden animals and show: Those who design their garden close to nature can create valuable habitats for many likeable and worthy of protection,” says Hannes PetriChak from Heinz Sielmann Foundation.
The choice of garden animals of the year is via online vote. All adults with residence in Germany, Austria and Switzerland can participate – and that until June 3. The Heinz Sielmann Foundation is giving away various prizes among all participants, including a weekend in a nature experience center. This year there are six animal candidates that could not be more different.
Bird fright, climbing artist and pollinator
Candidate number one is the sparrow. This slim bird of prey is known for its lightning -fast attacks and its ability to maneuver through dense bushes and tight passages. Sperber play an important role in the balance of bird populations, since they mostly feed on small songbirds like Sperlingen. A species -rich garden with shrubs and hedges offers both cover for the sparrow and protection options for its prey.
The garden sleeper also throws his hat into the ring this year. The climbing gifted, fluffy small mammal with the “Zorro mask” is not exactly selective when choosing a meal. He eats insects and snails as well as seeds and fruits. The garden sleeper thus supports the ecological balance and spreads plant seeds. A natural garden with old trees, bushes and hedges offers important retreats for the highly endangered rodent.
The third in 2025 the skull fly is to choose from. With her yellow-black color, she imitates a wasp, but in contrast to the original, it is completely harmless. Its breast has a skull -like drawing that has brought its German name to the species. Hoverfly is indispensable as pollinators for flowers, vegetables and fruit. Gardens with wildflowers, compost heaps and dead wood offer ideal conditions.
Pond residents, remnant recyclers and Langbein
Another candidate for the title “Garden Animal of 2025” is the grass frog with its darkly spotted skin. In the spring he often returns to spawning in the same pond in which he also hatched. The stock of grass frogs is declining in many places. Grass frogs are valuable beneficiaries that eat snails, insects and larvae. A garden pond without fish offers you suitable spawning spaces. Dense vegetation and stone piles ensure suitable hiding places that protect the frogs outside the water.
In order to protect himself from voracious robbers such as the grass frog, candidate number five-the garden ligament snail-wears a yellow-brown streaked housing. It is an important decomposition of plant residues and fungi. This helps to form humus and contributes to the fertility of the soil. She feels particularly comfortable in gardens with damp retreat, leaves or wooden piles.
The last in the group of the candidates is the stretch foot from the order of the weaver servants. With his long, thin legs, at first glance, he looks like an ordinary spider, but he does not weave nets, but grabs his prey directly. Weber servants play an important role as predators and decomposition of small insects, mites and AAS. A natural garden with stone walls, piles of leaves and damp corners offers these useful animals a suitable home.
If you want to vote online for one of the candidates or to find out more about the election, you can do this here do.
Source: Heinz Sielmann Foundation