Diversity in the nature reserve: 38 new species discovered at Lake Werbeliner!

Diversity in the nature reserve: 38 new species discovered at Lake Werbeliner!

In the Werbeliner See nature reserve, which extends in the northern Saxony district near Delitzsch, scientists made an impressive discovery during a recent investigation as part of “Biodiversity Day” at the end of June 2025. A remarkable 38 new animal and plant species were documented, which impressively underlines the diversity of this unique ecosystem. The *Leipziger Internet Zeitung* l-iz.de has also compiled this information.

What is particularly noteworthy is that three of the newly discovered species are classified as endangered in Saxony. These include spring toothbrush, small centaury and dyer's chamomile. This shows how important it is to protect such areas. But animal species such as the hornet glasswing, which is an interesting representative of the insect world with its mimicry, also found a new home here. It imitates the hornet's humming sound to camouflage itself.

A rich biodiversity

However, the new finds are not limited to plants. There were also remarkable results with bats: in one short night, six of the 22 bat species known in Saxony were detected. These include the large and small noctules as well as the water bat. Experts were also able to count ten species of grasshoppers, including the common heather grasshopper.

In total, an astonishing 211 different species were recorded on “Biodiversity Day” in the nature reserve, which has been under protection since its official designation in 2019. Covering an area of ​​approximately 1,506 hectares, Werbeliner Lake offers a variety of habitats, including reedbeds, wet meadows and open water areas, which are home not only to birds but also to a variety of other animal and plant species.

The nature reserve in detail

The area, which was recognized as a European bird sanctuary in 2006, was created by flooding the former Delitzsch-Südwest opencast mine, which was completed in 2008. The nature reserve is now home to over 220 bird species, including the sea eagle, the bluethroat and the bittern. Amphibians, reptiles and various insects such as the praying mantis and the sand lizard can also be found here.

In order to promote the preservation of biodiversity, regular measures such as bush removal and targeted care are carried out. There are also numerous educational and recreational opportunities for visitors. Guided excursions and lectures invite you to get to know the area better. The municipality of Wiedemar and the district of Northern Saxony are actively committed to protecting and maintaining this unique habitat.

Visitors to the nature reserve are asked to respect the existing rules, for example swimming in the lake is prohibited. Compliance with these regulations is crucial in order not to disturb the sensitive nature and to continue to support the success story of Lake Werbeliner.

The relevance of nature conservation is reinforced not least by the national and state legal framework. According to the Federal Nature Conservation Act as well as the various state nature conservation laws, different regulations must be observed that are specifically aimed at preserving biodiversity.

For those interested, it is an ideal location for bird watching and nature photography. Here nature has the opportunity to develop undisturbed and it seems as if the Werbeliner Lake is a real gem for nature lovers.