- Vreni and Kilian: Two likenesses engaged for a preservation endeavor
Red Foxes named Frieda and Viorel are trailed by Vreni and Kilian. The introduction of two additional so-called "bushy-tailed critters" in the Thuringian Forest aims to enhance the population of these highly protected animals across Europe. "Our objective of a connected red fox population in Germany and Central Europe is gradually coming to fruition with a steady red fox population in the Thuringian Forest," expresses Environment Minister Bernhard Stengele (Greens).
The Thuringian Forest plays a crucial role in the red fox species conservation project. Experts view this mid-mountain range as a bridge between populations in the Harz and Bavarian Forest. Mating between animals from distinct regions is sought to stabilize the population. Previously, red foxes were extensively hunted.
Foxes from breeding program
The newly introduded vixen Vreni was born in 2023 at a Swiss zoo, while the male Kilian hails from the Nuremberg Zoo. Both are part of a breeding program to preserve the Carpathian red fox and were raised in natural enclosures, as per the Thuringian Association for Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND). In April of this year, they were transported to the Wildcat Village in Hutschetoda and housed in a special enclosure prior to release.
Similarly, Frieda and Viorel, which were deployed in the Thuringian Forest in May, are outfitted with collars containing trackers to monitor their movements. Data indicates that Frieda primarily resides near Oberhof, while Viorel has traversed into the Franconian Forest.
Red fox offspring captured on camera
Experts view the recent capturing of a vixen with young ones by a camera in the southern Thuringian Forest a few weeks ago as an achievement for the red fox population. "The unanticipated red fox offspring marks the first documented red fox reproduction in the Thuringian Forest in over 150 years," says BUND Thuringia. The young ones, in conjunction with the dispatched congeners, pave the way for a long-term stable red fox population in the Thuringian Forest.
The following breeding program, involving Vreni and Kilian, aims to preserve the Carpathian red fox, with both being introduced to the Thuringian Forest. The following deployment of Frieda and Viorel, outfitted with trackers, has shown significant movement within the Thuringian and Franconian Forests.
