Federal government increases protection for grasshoppers and species-rich forests

The Hardwood Scimitar Flycatcher (Barbitistes serricauda) has its worldwide distribution centre in Germany. However, little is known about this insect species because it lives hidden in the treetops and its song is not perceptible to the human ear because it is in the ultrasonic range.

In the federal government's "Biological Biodiversity" programme, the project "ELSA - Development of near-natural oak forests for the hardwood sawfly and other endangered insect species" aims to gain further knowledge about the animals and habitats in order to protect them. For this purpose, both detection methods and potential habitats are to be identified and verified in this context.

In North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, former spruce forests are to be converted into species-rich, warmth-favoured oak forests on selected forest areas as part of the programme. These are found preferably on dry, rocky valley slopes. Here, there are usually well-developed shrub and species-rich herb layers, which are currently assumed to be of importance for the development of the nymphs of the hardwood sawfly.

Such habitats then also provide suitable living conditions for various endangered animal and plant species, such as the wood warbler (Phylloscopus sibilartrix), Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius), Blue Oak Fritillary (Neozephyrus quercus), Silver-spotted Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne), stag beetle (Lucanus cervus), Heldbock (Cerambyx cerdo) and forest cricket (Nemobius sylvestris). In the near-natural forest areas, deadwood is the basis for many insect occurrences as well as for woodpeckers and other cavity-nesting birds.

A major outcome of the project will be the development of a guide for the conservation of the hardwood sawfly.

Protecting nature ensures a stable and safe habitat for animals and people alike. That is why the MuP Group has set itself the goal of implementing construction measures in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Engineering for a better tomorrow!

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