Hohenzieritz (dpa/mv) - In the Müritz National Park, more and more of the rare bitterns (Botaurus stellaris) breed. As a spokeswoman for the protected area announced on Tuesday, at least 27 breeding areas in 19 bodies of water were occupied during counts. The main reason is assumed to be the increase in undisturbed reed-rich waters, since the bird - which is counted by its call - can hide there perfectly. At the beginning of the census in 2005, 11 breeding pairs of bitterns were registered. Previous highs were 17 breeding pairs in the park in 2008 and 2019.
As the person responsible for research in the Müritz National Park, Sven Rannow, said, the shy bird is extremely rare in Germany. Problems are dried up waters and disturbances of its habitat, for example by boats. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the State Environment Agency estimates the population at 100 to 150 breeding pairs, nationwide at 600 pairs. Great bitterns - which are also called "moor oxen" because of their very deep call - also occur in the Feldberg lake landscape and on the Schaalsee.
After 1990, water drains in the Müritz National Park were filled in and lakes, such as the Zotzensee, were dammed up again. At 32,200 hectares, the park is the largest inland national park in Germany. Many white-tailed eagles, ospreys, cranes and other rare bird species breed in the two sub-areas on the east bank of the Müritz and Serrahn near Neustrelitz. There is also a large variety of insects and plants.
