Baden-Württemberg: around 170,000 euros for the protection of endangered crested larks

Close observation, fences around breeding areas and recently even a cat lockdown: In Walldorf, a lot is invested in the protection of the endangered Crested Larks.

Baden-Württemberg: around 170,000 euros for the protection of endangered crested larks

Close observation, fences around breeding areas and recently even a cat lockdown: In Walldorf, a lot is invested in the protection of the endangered Crested Larks.

Walldorf (dpa/lsw) - The city of Walldorf (Rhein-Nackar district) has spent around 170,000 euros over the past two years to protect the crested lark, which is threatened with extinction. A spokesman for the community said that around 45,000 and 49,000 euros were spent in 2020 and 2021 just for the close monitoring, i.e. the observation of the animals. According to the information, additional measures such as fences to protect the breeding areas have cost a total of around 75,000 euros in the last two years: 31,000 euros in 2020 and 44,000 last year.

The costs for the current year have not yet been determined, but should be of a similar magnitude, as the city said. The funds come from the community budget, there are no grants, said the spokesman. There are currently two pairs of crested larks and eight young animals in the Walldorf district - "all still alive," he said.

The city hit the headlines after the Rhein-Neckar district decided to lock down cats. Until the end of August and for the next three years from April to August, cats in the south of the city of Walldorf are no longer allowed outside the door. Excluded are cats that walk on a short leash or are demonstrably not where they pose a danger to the birds. There are now numerous objections from cat owners to the general decree.