120,000 euros allocated for safeguarding the Bavarian short-eared vole.

Creatures - 120,000 euros allocated for safeguarding the Bavarian short-eared vole.

A tiny mole-like creature called the Bavarian short-tailed vole is considered one of the most threatened mammals in Europe, dwelling in the Bavarian-Tyrolean border area. The Bavarian authorities have taken notice and are launching a species protection program for this rare animal. Environment Minister Thorsten Glauber (Free Voters) states, "We're putting significant effort into helping this minuscule creature with our species protection program."

In the coming years, 120,000 euros are allocated for studying the specific habitat requirements of the species. Thereafter, concrete measures will be put into action. The LfU's allies in this endeavor include the Bavarian State Forests and the Alpenzoo in Innsbruck.

Last autumn, the short-tailed vole was first captured via a wildlife camera and then caught alive in Mittenwald, nestled at the base of the Wetterstein Mountains. This finding was a jaw-dropping rediscovery of a rare creature.

To gain more insight into the distribution and habitat preferences of the vole, Simon Ripperger of the LfU suggests using wildlife cameras and live traps. According to his research, it appears that the vole prefers light snow heather spruce forests.

Read also:

1. The Bavarian short-eared vole, a critically endangered animal in Europe, is not solely found in Bavaria, but also in neighboring Upper Bavaria and parts of Austria.
2. Thorsten Glauber, the Environment Minister in Bavaria and a representative of the Free Voters party, emphasizes the importance of nature conservation in the region, particularly in areas like Mittenwald, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and rich wildlife.
3. The Alps, a mountain range that spans several European countries, including Germany, Austria, and Italy, is home to numerous rare animal species, with the Bavarian short-eared vole being one of them.
4. Environmentalists in Munich, the capital of Bavaria and Germany's third-largest city, are pushing for comprehensive wildlife protection policies, citing the Bavarian short-eared vole as an example of the need to preserve biodiversity in modern Europe.
5. In the heart of Bavaria's Alps, Mittenwald, which is famous for its world-class guitar-making industry, is playing a crucial role in the study and conservation efforts of the imperiled Bavarian short-tailed vole, ensuring that Europe continues to maintain its diverse ecosystems.

• Tough return to normality in snow and ice
• Steinmeier joined a moment of silence - a legal battle over an AfD protest.
• German national soccer team on their way to participate in the European Championship qualifying matches.
• The flooding has lessened, but the aftermath of mud remains.