Young storks in Weil der Stadt: garbage becomes a fatal danger!

Young storks in Weil der Stadt: garbage becomes a fatal danger!

In Weil der Stadt, an exciting event has taken place: the four young storks on the stork tower have been ringed. This is an important measure that serves to protect the storks. This process is carried out by stork supervisors and ideally takes place at the age of four to six weeks, as National Geographic . The chicks are taken from the chicks to determine their gender using DNA analysis-a challenge, since young animals and adult storks do not have any visible gender-specific characteristics.

The young storks are now clearly visible and show particular interest when the old storks return with food. However, not every old stork has reliably suitable food such as worms or mice. There are also often garbage on the stork tower, including rubber bands and sealing rings. These indigestible waste pose a fatal danger to the storks because they can lead to intestinal closure, such as the Stuttgarter news report.

positive developments in stork protection

The situation of storks has improved a lot in Germany over the past few years. From a low point of 3,403 breeding pairs in 1984, the number rose to remarkable 13,266 breeding pairs by 2024, which shows a significant recreational process. This gratifying inventory development is largely due to extensive species protection measures in which Baden-Württemberg and NABU played a central role. Breeding programs and release projects meant that even individual storks were equipped with transmitters to track their routes. These often get names of sponsors, such as Florian Karlsruhe West, and help to learn more about the behavior and spread of the storks.

Another reason for the increase is the changed train behavior of the storks. In the past, many of them overwintered in West Africa, where unfavorable conditions led to a decline. Nowadays, many storks even stay in Germany or move to Spain, which is related to the mild weather and the improved habitats due to the creation of wet areas that offer food sources.

environmental dangers and challenges

Despite these positive developments, the protection of the storks remains a challenge. In addition to the danger of the garbage in the nesting areas, the strict regulations for removing nesting places on high-voltage and railway masts are also problematic. These nests may only be removed with permission so as not to endanger the storks unnecessarily. The NABU therefore also organizes information events in order to raise awareness of the threats to the storks and to have a good knack with their protection.

Overall, it can be seen that the white stork in Germany has made a remarkable return, although the unmatch should not be underestimated by garbage and other dangers. Storks often return to the same brood, but often with another partner, which underlines the adaptability of these impressive birds.