Threatened Species - More Auerhahn in Bayerischer Wald National Park
In the Bavarian-Czech border region, there are more Partridges again. This is evident from a recently published census of the Bavarian Forest and Bohemian Forest (Šumava) National Parks in Winter 2022/23. "The population has significantly increased – and is now estimated to be around 867 individuals", said National Park Manager Ursula Schuster. If the Partridges continue to develop in this way, their long-term survival is assured. The Partridge is listed as endangered in Germany.
During the first census in the years 2009 to 2011, the number of Partridges in the Bavarian-Bohemian border region was around 550, as Schuster and the Leader of the National Park Bohemian Forest, Pavel Hubený, revealed. This number had increased by around 50 individuals in Winter 2016/2017.
The increase in population is related to the expansion of unmanaged forest areas, explained Hubený. In both National Parks, there were 31,000 hectares without forest management in 2017, and 47,000 hectares in 2023. On these areas, "there are sleeping trees, food trees or light areas for rearing chicks."
Danger from Tourism
This development also underscores how important the waymarked trails are in the National Parks, added Schuster. Habitats with intensive tourist use are avoided by the Partridges, which further restricts their habitat. If Partridges are disturbed in winter, it can lead to their death.
During the rearing period, disturbances can be fatal for the chicks. Therefore, it is especially important from November to July that only marked trails are used in the core area. "Every hiker or cross-country skier who adheres to this contributes significantly to the preservation of the animals", said Schuster.
- The Bavarian Forest National Park, situated in Bayern, Germany, shares its border with the Bohemian Forest (Šumava) National Park in the Czech Republic, both known for their significant contributions to nature protection and environment conservation.
- The increase in the Partridge population in the Bavarian-Czech border region, now estimated to be around 867 individuals, is a testament to the effectiveness of the nature protection policies implemented in these National Parks.
- The border area between the two National Parks, with its expanse of unmanaged forest areas, has become an ideal habitat for Partridges, providing them with sleeping trees, food sources, and light areas for rearing chicks.
- The level of nature conservation in this border area is of utmost importance, as any disturbance to the Partridges during their rearing period or winter months can be fatal for the chicks and potentially threatening to their long-term survival.
- As a responsible visitor to these National Parks, adhering to the marked trails in the core area from November to July plays a crucial role in preserving the Partridges and ensuring the health of the environment in the Bavarian Forest and Bohemian Forest (Šumava) National Parks.
