Storchnach growth in Bochum: Four young animals conquer the Ruhrue!

Storchnach growth in Bochum: Four young animals conquer the Ruhrue!

Bochum, Deutschland - in Bochum, more precisely in the Ruhrue, a pair of stork successfully raised four young animals. These positive news is from RuHR24 Kosterbrücke can be observed. Experts suspect that it is the same couple who raised a single young bird in the previous year. The fidelity of the storks is a crucial note here.

However, the nature conservation areas in the Ruhrau are closed to the public so as not to disturb the protected species. This applies not only to storks, but also to other breeding birds that find optimal living conditions here. In order not to harass the animals, it is necessary to keep dogs on a leash and avoid drone flights. In addition, the city of Bochum offers guided tours that are guided by the biological station to learn more about the importance of the nature reserve.

habitat and food of the storks

A pair of storets requires between 1.2 and 1.6 kilograms of food per young bird every day, while the adults need between 500 and 700 grams of feed. The storks find this food in the damp meadows and pastures of the Ruhrue, which are rich in amphibians, insects and mice. A pair of stork requires a area of ​​around 200 hectares for the search for food, and the Ruhraue-Steepel offers this important habitat.

Unfortunately, the white stork in many regions of Germany is classified as endangered and is on the red list. The loss of wetlands and the intensification of agriculture have led to a decline in stork populations in recent decades. According to nabu the breeding success in Germany is not sufficient in order to compensate for the natural losses, with an increase in regions with higher Breeding success is recorded.

The challenges for the white stork

Despite some positive developments, there are numerous challenges for the white stork. Intensive agriculture has led to drainage and destruction of habitats and the use of pesticides has affected the food basis of the storks. Electricity lines also represent a significant danger: almost 70 % of the accidents with storks are caused by collisions with electricity lines. Young storks are often particularly affected during their first practice flights.

In addition, there are also considerable danger in their travels and in winter areas through human activities, such as hunting or using toxic chemicals. Dürtreriodes in the Sahel also help to threaten the food and water availability for storks, which has a negative impact on their survival rate and breeding success. Historically, drought time in the region were one of the main causes of the decline in the existence of the western population, which declined sharply in the 1980s.

In order to improve the situation of the white stork, comprehensive protective measures are required. The NABU has carried out nationwide examinations on the development and population dynamics of the white stork. Storch counts have been taking place since 1934 that help to monitor the spread and existence of the storks. Around 7,532 breeding pairs lived in Germany in 2019, which is a slight upward trend, but did not hide the challenges with which these majestic birds are confronted.

The resettlement of storks in nature reserves is crucial for their survival in North Rhine-Westphalia. Only through the preservation and creation of suitable habitats can these fascinating birds continue to thrive in the Ruhraue and beyond.