Animals - Hunting balance sheet: record numbers of roe deer shot
The bark beetle infestation and the resulting massive forest damage have proven beneficial for some game populations. In the 2022/23 hunting year, new highs were reached for roe deer, sika and mouflon in North Rhine-Westphalia, the Ministry of Agriculture announced in Düsseldorf on Thursday. Where there used to be tall trees, there are now many more areas with plenty of light, shrubs and herbaceous plants. This provides energy-rich food for the game population.
A new record was set for roe deer in the past hunting year with more than 125,000 animals and a six-digit figure for the fourth time in a row. However, at just under 30,000 animals, the number of wild boar was around 40 percent lower than in the previous year. "Such a decline can be subject to cyclical fluctuations in the wild boar population and increase again in the next hunting period," explained the ministry. There has also been a slight decline in red deer.
In the meantime, the forests in NRW have been damaged over an area of 142,000 hectares. An excessively high wild animal population endangers reforestation because newly planted trees are often eaten. Effective hunting is therefore necessary for the balance of forest and game in the coming years.
Press release
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- The Environmental Policy in North Rhine-Westphalia needs to address the issue of excessive wild animal populations, as they pose a threat to reforestation and new tree growth, resulting in forest damage.
- The balance between forests and wildlife in the region will require active wildlife management, including effective hunting, to prevent further forest damage caused by overpopulated animals such as wild boar and deer.
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food (BMELV) in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, is committed to implementing measures that promote nature conservation and ensure a sustainable balance between animal populations and the environment.
- Amidst the record numbers of roe deer and other game species being hunted, it is crucial to maintain and protect the diverse habitats and ecosystems that these animals depend on for survival, ensuring the vitality of the region's ecosystems and wildlife.
- The adoption of comprehensive environmental policies that prioritize animal welfare and nature conservation in North Rhine-Westphalia will be essential for minimizing forest damage, ensuring the long-term health of animal populations, and preserving the region's natural beauty for future generations.
Source: www.stern.de
