Nesting box vandalism in Ettenhofer Wood: Meisen in danger!

In Ettenhofer Holz near Hochstadt, a long-term study by the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence in Seewiesen has been carried out since 2013, which deals with cabbage tans. As part of this examination, 123 wooden nesting boxes along the forest paths were installed, which were manufactured in IWL workshops in Machtlfing. In the past few weeks, however, 40 of these nesting boxes have been destroyed, the destruction of cutting or burning the fortifications and throwing the boxes on the floor. A corresponding criminal proceedings were initiated by the police.

These incidents have triggered concern, especially about possible damage to the animals that breed in the nesting boxes, including cabbage tits, blue and fir takers and as well as drivers. Nesting boxes are not only breeding sites, but also offer sleeping places for titms and other small mammals. The scientists annually record the breeding success of the Meisen in order to examine their adaptation to climate change. In the course of this research, the stress values ​​in the blood of the birds are also measured in order to analyze their reaction to different environmental conditions. It could be found that catch and blood sample have no negative influence on the breeding success or the survival of the cabbage tits. According to the research, some Meisen breed wood in Ettenhofer for up to seven years, with 1921 young cabbage fledging from 663 nests so far, such as Merkur reported.

Influence of nesting boxes on the cabbage population

nesting boxes play a crucial role in the existence of cabbage tits and contribute to the promotion of species protection. According to Vogel explorer , the targeted placement of nesting boxes has a significant influence on the equilibrium of the ecosystem. Professionally correct installation and maintenance of the boxes are crucial for their success. In urban and intensely used areas, cabbage tits are often missing the natural cavities as nesting places, so that nesting boxes offer a safe place for breeding and protection against parasites and enemies.
Statistics show that an average of 69 breeding pairs without nesting boxes were observed during spring, but the summer had 1215 breeding pairs and the autumn of 811 breeding pairs. For optimal breeding conditions, nesting boxes should be made of natural materials, and are being attached to a height of 2-3 meters on trees or stable buildings.