Rescue for the stone owl: Innovative outsourcing method in Heidelberg!

Rescue for the stone owl: Innovative outsourcing method in Heidelberg!

As part of a remarkable species protection project, the Heidelberg Zoo and various nature conservation associations are doing everything they can to promote the Steinkauz in the Rhein-Neckar area. With an innovative release method, existing gaps in the population of this unique owl are to be closed. The commitment of this initiative promises to offer the Steinkauz a safe future.

The project is entitled "Together for the Stone Cauceai" and pursues a pragmatic approach. Joshua Förg, bird curator of the zoo, explains a special method of changing. "Usually we put the young birds that are hatched in the zoo, with three weeks in the nest of wild stone causties to ensure that they grow up in their natural habitat," says Förg. This practice ensures that birds learn and fly in a natural environment.

new challenges and solutions

An unexpected event occurred when one of the pairs of stone owls breed late this season. The young birds in the wilderness were already too big and from the point of view of the previous method, it would have had little prospect of success for the newly slipped chicks. In order to introduce these animals into the population, the team around project manager Michael Ziara had to be creative.

"We had to come up with something in order to be able to unload these young birds. The goal was to strengthen the population despite the delayed breeding season," added Förg. The solution consisted of the introduction of a mini-volume that is attached to the nesting aids. Thus, the young birds can gradually get used to their new surroundings. You get the opportunity to experience the sounds and smells of your new residential area while you remain protected at the same time.

After a three -day familiarization phase, the provisional aviary is broken down. The young birds are then ready to fly into freedom. This could be a crucial step to strengthen the stone owl population in the region, as Ziara hopes. "We have carefully selected places where no district pairs have so far been found, but the potential networking with other stone ceaes is possible," he explains.

The idea has a model character: If the method is successful, it could also be used in other regions in the future. The regional council quickly approved the application for the approval of the new method what this project promises. "The cooperation of many people and institutions impressively shows how much can be moved in local species protection," explains Ziara.

In addition to the Heidelberg Zoo and the NABU and BUND nature conservation associations, many private owners and volunteers are also actively involved. The student company Midena also produced the nesting aids, which represents a nice connection between education and practical nature conservation work. Everyone involved is eagerly awaiting the next check in May next year, which will show whether the new release method was successful and the young birds permanently accept the nesting aids.

It remains to be seen whether this innovative approach in the stone owl rescue is considered a model nationwide. Those responsible in the zoo and the nature conservation groups involved are optimistic about the future and do everything they can to get the charming stone owl in the Rhein-Neckar metropolitan region.