EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - UNESCO World Heritage

Fauna
Th e entire national park territory is home
to the biocoenoses typical of European
decid uous forests in extraordinary completeness.
Particular mention should be made of
such animal species the habitats of which
are bound to old mature deciduous forests.
822 butterfl y and 876 beetle species, 10
of which being regarded as primeval forest
relics colonising dead wood, such as the
Violet Click Beetle (Limoniscus violaceus)
and Hermit Beetle (Osmoderma eremita),
have been observed so far.
Large birds such as the Red Kite (Milvus
milvus), Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus),
Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), Eurasian Eagle
Owl (Bubo bubo) and Common Raven
(Corvus corax) as well as a total of six woodpecker
species are widespread in the com-
ponent part. Th e Grey-headed Woodpecker
(Picus canus), which is found breeding here
with 17 pairs, is an indicator species of nearnatural
highland beech forests of Central
Europe. In the nominated area 11 bird
species breed are classifi ed as endangered
according to the EU Birds Directive.
As many as 15 out of 24 bat species observed
in Germany live in the national park, including
Bechstein's Bat (Myotis bechsteinii)
which is regarded as a “species of primeval
forests” (tab. 2.10).
Th e rare Wildcat (Felis silvestris) lives in
Kellerwald. Th e Lynx (Lynx lynx), which is
highly endangered in Germany, has been
observed in the area of the nominated
component part, which makes recolonisation
probable.
Bechstein’s Bat
(Myotis bechsteinii)
2. DESCRIPTION
Nationale
Naturlandschaften
65