Alarm level red for the deer beetle: Thuringia calls for a message!

Alarm level red for the deer beetle: Thuringia calls for a message!

Eisenach, Deutschland - In Thuringia there is serious concern about the decline in the deer beetle, the largest type of beetle in Europe. Experts from the Nature Conservation Association (NABU) and the Thuringian State Office for the Environment, Mining and Nature Conservation (TLUBN) warn that these fascinating insects have to be classified as "strongly endangered". Between June and August, it is particularly exciting to watch the beetles raving, but the habitats of the animals are under pressure. The deer beetle is not only in Thuringia, but also nationwide on the red list of endangered species, such as Thüringen24.

The profession for the reporting campaign, which has been running for several years, aims to document and better protect the endangered existence of the deer beetle. The focus is on light, old oak stands that have a high proportion of dead wood, as well as on old fruit trees and orchards. Eisenach and the Wartburg district in particular seem to be true “deer beetle hotspots”, where the biodiversity has been preserved. The goal of this action is clear: to gain scientific knowledge about the spread and habitats of the deer beetles in order to develop targeted protective measures.

registration campaign to protect the deer beetle

With the call for the "deer beetle search", Tlubn and Nabu ask all nature lovers to actively participate in the protection of this special beetle type. There is also interesting information about the best observation time: The dawn between mid -May and the beginning of August is ideal, and the animals can also be observed during the day, especially in the main distribution areas such as Kyffhäuser and Eisenach. The landscape maintenance association Eichsfeld-Hainich-Werratal e.V. supports this action and encourages the population to report their finds.

• Last year, a total of 91 living and 29 dead deer beetles were recorded in Thuringia.
• digital photos are essential to exclude confusion with similar beetles.
• there is a risk of confusion with species such as rhino beetles, beam cabinet and hermit.

To report a find, citizens can share their observations via the environmental app for Thuringia or directly on the NABU website. Important information is the place, the date, the number of animals and photos. An exact provision is crucial and the experts from the TLUBN are available.

The value of the deer beetle for the ecosystem

The meaning of the deer beetle for our ecosystem cannot be assessed highly enough. The beetles are not only ecologically valuable, but also a sign of the health of their habitats. The preservation of these species is an essential part of environmental protection in Germany and Europe. Because the deer beetle is not only protected across Europe according to the FFH directive, but also an important link in the food network, which is important for many other animal species. Active species protection not only promotes the stability of our ecosystems, but also the biodiversity that affects us all, as the WWF on its homepage.

So if you are looking at a deer beetle next time, do not hesitate to report your find. So you not only make a contribution to his protection, but also make yourself strong as part of an important community for nature conservation in the beautiful Thuringia!