38 Auerhuhn chickens hatched in Thuringian hatchery

Wildlife reintroduction in September - 38 Auerhuhn chickens hatched in Thuringian hatchery

Thuringia's Auerhahn have given birth to offspring. In total, 38 Auerhahn chickens hatched at the rearing station in Ostthuringen, near Unterwellenborn (Saalfeld-Rudolstadt district), according to the Thüringenforst institution. This is significantly more than last year, and the breeding process was reportedly successful. In 2023, 24 animals from their own rearing station were released into the wild, as stated by a spokesperson.

The young ones are expected to be released in early September. Before that, they need to grow stronger. "To prepare the inexperienced young pheasants for life in the wild, they will soon be moved to special aviaries in the forest," the statement reads. There, they will learn to live together and prepare for everyday hazards such as birds of prey or predators through camouflage.

Currently, around 40 Auerhahn in Thuringia

For years, the Auerhahn has been fighting for survival in Thuringia. With targeted forestry measures, reduction of predators, and population protection, the Landesforstanstalt is working for the preservation of the species. The rearing station was built in 2012.

In the 70s, around 300 Auerhahn were native to East Thuringia. The population had drastically declined to roughly a dozen animals by 1990. Experts, according to Thüringenforst estimates, put the current population at around 40 of the rare birds, with an increasing trend.

1. The successful breeding process in 2023 resulted in 38 Auerhahn chickens at the rearing station in East Thuringia, specifically near Saalfeld-Rudolstadt.
2. The Landesforstanstalt, responsible for the preservation of Auerhahn in Thuringia, has been implementing measures such as targeted forestry, reducing predator populations, and population protection for several years.
3. The Thüringenforst institution, located in Thuringia, released 24 mature Auerhahn from their rearing station into the wild in 2023, as mentioned by their spokesperson.
4. The reintroduction of Auerhahn into the wild in East Thuringia has seen a significant improvement, with estimates suggesting a current population of around 40 rare birds within the region's natural habitat, demonstrating the success of the rearing station and conservation efforts.

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