Red deer in Schleswig-Holstein: habitat threatened by A20 and solar parks!

Red deer in Schleswig-Holstein: habitat threatened by A20 and solar parks!

In Schleswig-Holstein there is great concern about the habitat of red deer. Walter Mahnert, the chairman of the Segeberger Heide big game ring, takes a critical look at the genetic condition of these magnificent animals. The red deer's genetic pool is becoming increasingly narrow, which not only endangers the animals' well-being, but also leads to health problems. Mahnert examined genetic samples from 350 deer and warned: “In the Bad Segeberg, Neumünster, Bad Bramstedt and Hamburg region there are an estimated 1,300 red deer animals that are genetically impoverished.” Signs of inbreeding, such as shortened jaws, can already be seen. The planned continuation of the A20 motorway from Bad Segeberg to Bad Bramstedt is particularly worrying, as it could further endanger the already limited genetic exchange.

The situation for red deer is further exacerbated by large photovoltaic systems. For example, a solar park with an area of ​​75 hectares and an output of 80 megawatts peak is planned in Boostedt. These solar parks simply cut off many of the red deer's migration corridors NDR reports. There are already more than 20 solar farms planned on wildlife crossing corridors, with another 22 on the horizon.

Nature conservation in the region

Conservationists are sounding the alarm about the isolation that red deer are experiencing in their territories. Frank Zabel from the state hunting association has mapped crucial red deer corridors in Schleswig-Holstein to point out the problems. The landscape is heavily dissected by highways, railway lines and settlements, which makes hiking between areas almost impossible. While there are two wild bridges over the motorway in the south of Holstein, there are no such crossings between Lübeck and Hamburg.

In order to improve the critical situation, there is a petition to the Bundestag calling for a construction ban in sensitive wildlife crossing areas. This is already supported by over 15,000 supporters, including the nature conservation association BUND. Farmers try to take wildlife into consideration when planning solar farms. One example is Axel Lamp, who is planning a solar park on 30 hectares without a fence so as not to hinder the animals. But insurance companies often require fencing, which makes the project more difficult.

Wild movements and corridors

A particularly impressive example of the red deer's love of wandering is the “Bargfelder” deer, which commutes between Hamburg and the Segeberger Forest. While such migrations are possible for some animals, other deer have great difficulty crossing highways. According to information from the FOEN Wildlife corridors are essential for the connectivity of habitats and the reproduction of many animal species. However, these corridors are impaired or disrupted in many regions, increasing the risk to many wildlife.

The problem is clear: Without suitable wildlife passages, many species are denied access to vital resources. For this reason, it is more important than ever to raise policy and public awareness of the need to create safe migration corridors and protect existing ones. Because the well-being of nature and its inhabitants should always come first.