SAARLAND ARTENREICH

NEW HABITATS FOR ENDANGERED ANIMAL SPECIES AROUND THE SAAR
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The protection of biodiversity is an imperative. It is an obligation to nature, and also to the next generations. Therefore, we take precautionary measures for an intact and livable environment. Given the fact that agricultural land is plowed and mulched in spring, public spaces are mostly mowed and more and more private gardens are reduced to stone surfaces, a compensation should be created. Specifically, this means the provision of suitable areas and their supply with species-rich seeds in order to sustain the life of as many plants and animal species as possible. LEG Saar, the Ministry for the Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (MUKMAV) and the Vereinigung der Jäger des Saarlandes (VJS) will pool their commitment to biodiversity in the future. In the state-wide `Saarland Artenreich` project, they are raising awareness of the important theme of biodiversity and expand the already existing contribution to species-rich landscapes.

THE SAARLAND ARTENREICH PROJECT PROMOTES NATIVE SPECIES,

thus contributing to the creation, preservation and strengthening of biodiversity in Saarland. Specifically, this includes providing suitable areas and equipping them with species-rich, regional seeds in order to ensure the survival of as many plant and animal species as possible.

In cooperation with hunters from the region and communities, areas particularly suitable for creating flowering landscapes rich in insects are identified. For this purpose, the landowners are provided free of charge with a special regional `habitat seed mixture` made from numerous wild flowers and cultivated plants . In return, they agree to sowing the seed and setting aside their areas for the coming years. The seeds sown consist of roughly 60 different regional wildflower species and cultivated plants tailored to our climatic conditions and the needs of local animals and insects.

The resulting flowering areas (at least 21 meters wide) provide food and shelter for many animal species, from wild bees and other insects to pheasants, wild rabbits, numerous endangered species of wild birds and others. They should consist of at least three different, strip-form vegetation types (field margins, flowering areas, light field areas, optional grassy protective strips, optional protective strips, optional open areas). The cultivation in stripes thus creates new structures that had existed for centuries in smallholding agriculture and provide optimal habitats for the soil-breeding species. The seeds are handed over by the local hunters which act as a link between the project partners and the area owners.

WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED SO FAR

The results of the past years are impressive: Working together with the project partner VJS, local hunting-right holders, municipalities, and landowners, roughly 350 hectares across Saarland have already been transformed into species-rich habitats using the seed provided. In most cases, a mixture of the “Habitat 1” seed (particularly suitable for insects, birds, and small game including roe deer), clover, sunflowers, and a one-year flowering mix is sown.

Sowing in spring brings fresh challenges every year, as early spring in recent years has often been marked by prolonged dry spells. This is frequently followed by a period of intense rainfall, allowing certain species in the seed mix to prevail more strongly than others.

All the more reason to establish flower-rich areas — also to protect many endangered animal species. One of our aims is to raise public awareness for biodiversity, as it is a key component of our region’s sustainable development.
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