Jane Goodall, sturgeons and cranes – Wildbrücke News #7

Die Zeitung über
Wildtiere
Wildbrücke
ildbrücke
WNEWS
issue
#7
Symbolfoto Jane Goodall: iStock.com/Shikhar Bhattarai / Verlauf: [@tenate-arte] via Canva / Sprachen ​Illustration: iStock/VectorStory
Impressum: Wildbrücke Medien | Stephan Jonetzko | Kronberger Str. 5 | 65510 Idstein | Webseite: www.wildbruecke.de | Feedback: info@wildbruecke.de

Wildlife in the world
Jane Goodall – A life for animals ends at 91
Symbolfoto Jane Goodall: iStock/Shikhar Bhattarai
On October 1, 2025, the world-renowned
behavioral scientist and conservation icon
Jane Goodall died at the age of 91. As Reuters
reports, she died during a lecture tour, which
she continued to pursue despite her advanced
age. The Guardian honors her in its obituary as
a woman who fundamentally changed the way
we think about animals and their emotions.
As early as the 1960s, Jane Goodall began her
legendary studies of chimpanzees in Gombe
Stream National Park in Tanzania. According
to Wikipedia, she was the first to scientifically
document that chimpanzees can make and
use tools. In doing so, she challenged the
previously widespread view of humans as the
sole toolmakers. The Washington Post emphasizes
that her observations led to a paradigm
shift in behavioral research: animals were no
longer viewed solely as instinct-driven, but
as sentient beings with complex social lives.
But Goodall was far more than a scientist.
As People writes, she remained a „tireless
advocate“ for nature and species conservation
until the end. She traveled the world almost
her entire life, speaking in schools, universities,
parliaments, and at the United Nations.
With the Jane Goodall Institute, which she
founded, she initiated numerous programs
for nature conservation, environmental education,
and the development of young people.
The institute‘s website provides information
about projects such as „Roots & Shoots,“ which
inspires children and young people to care
about the environment and animal protection.
Goodall was also a regular presence in
Europe and Germany. Many of her lectures
were appeals for a rethinking of the
relationship between humans and nature.
She warned that the protection of biodiversity
and habitats is not solely the responsibility
of politicians, but of every individual.
Her death marks the end of an era. As The
Guardian summarizes, Jane Goodall was a
„world-renowned primatologist“ whose work
has influenced generations of researchers. Her
legacy lives on – in the
chimpanzees of Gombe,
in the projects of
her institute, and in
the people she inspired
around the world.
Quellen: Reuters – „Wildlife advocate and primate expert Jane Goodall dies at
91“, abgerufen am 01. Oktober 2025
The Guardian – „Jane Goodall, world-renowned primatologist, dies aged 91“,
abgerufen am 01. Oktober 2025
People – „Jane Goodall Dies at 91 While on Speaking Tour: She Was a ‚Tireless
Advocate‘ for Nature“, abgerufen am 01. Oktober 2025
Washington Post – Nachruf und Rückblick auf Goodalls Lebenswerk, abgerufen
am 01. Oktober 2025
Jane Goodall Institut – Programme und Aktivitäten
Wikipedia – Artikel „Jane Goodall“, Hintergrundinformationen

Wildlife in Germany
Return of the sturgeon to the Baltic Sea
Symbolbild: KI
The sturgeon, once an important migratory
fish in the Baltic Sea, was considered extinct in
this region for decades. Now it is being gradually
reintroduced. As the state government of
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania reported in
a press release dated May 15, 2025, sturgeons
were equipped with satellite transmitters
and released into the Baltic Sea for the first
time. Researchers hope to use this technology
to understand the migratory behavior
and survival chances of the animals in detail.
The reintroduction is part of a long-term
project to rebuild the Baltic sturgeon population.
According to the press release from
the government of Mecklenburg-Western
Pomerania, this is a joint project involving
science, nature conservation, and fisheries.
The goal is to establish stable populations
and strengthen biodiversity in the Baltic Sea.
The sturgeon‘s return is also being reported at
the European level. In December 2024, the EU
Oceans and Fisheries Agency published an overview
of the work of scientists working to save the
Baltic sturgeon. It states that stocking programs
and international cooperation are key components
for bringing the fish „back from the brink.“
The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation
(BfN) emphasizes in its overview that reintroduction
can only be successful through longterm
monitoring. This includes catch reports,
tagging, and habitat observation. Close cooperation
with fishermen is particularly important, as
sturgeons continue to be endangered as bycatch.
The release of sturgeons equipped with satellite
transmitters now marks a crucial step in this
process. It allows the animals‘ movements in
the Baltic Sea to be precisely tracked for the
first time and valuable data to be collected for
the conservation of this ancient fish species.
Quelle: Regierung Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – Pressemitteilung „Erstmals
Störe mit Satellitensendern in der Ostsee versehen“, 15.05.2025, abrufbar unter:
regierung-mv.de
Europäische Kommission, Oceans and Fisheries – Artikel „Back from the brink:
How scientists are saving Baltic sturgeon“, 11.12.2024, abrufbar unter: oceansand-fisheries.ec.europa.eu
Bundesamt für Naturschutz (BfN) – Themenseite „Wiederansiedlung Baltischer
Störe“, abrufbar unter: bfn.de, abgerufen am 03.10.2025 um 15:15 Uhr

Wildlife in Europe
Tarantulas on the rise – Nature Conservation Association calls for help
Symbolfoto: iStock/belizar73
The South Russian black-bellied tarantula
(Lycosa singoriensis) is spreading further and
further into Central Europe. As the Austrian
Nature Conservation Union reports on its
website, the species is increasingly being
observed in eastern Austria. While it is not
life-threatening to humans, its appearance
is causing a stir and raising questions.
According to the Austrian Nature Conservation
Union, the spider can reach a body length of up
to four centimeters. With its long legs, it appears
imposing, and its dark build clearly distinguishes
it from native species. It is originally native
to the steppe regions of Eastern Europe and
Russia. According to the organization, it is assumed
that the animals reached Central Europe
by transporting soil or plants and spread there.
As the Austrian Nature Conservation Union
explains, the tarantula prefers warm, dry habitats
and digs burrows up to 40 centimeters
deep. From there, it lies in wait for prey such
as insects or small vertebrates. Their bites only
rarely pose a problem for humans, comparable
to a bee sting. Nevertheless, the Nature Conservation
Association calls for encounters to be
taken seriously and sightings to be documented.
The Nature Conservation Association emphasizes
that public assistance is particularly
important. Anyone who discovers an animal
should, if possible, photograph it and submit
the find via the association‘s reporting portal.
This will allow for better tracking of its spread
and timely implementation of protective measures.
The Nature Conservation Association
emphasizes that the goal is not to combat the
animals, but rather to scientifically monitor
their development in their new environment.
The spread of the tarantula to Austria illustrates
the extent to which animal species are
shifting due to climate change and globalization.
As the Nature Conservation Association
summarizes, the emergence of this spider is a
good example of the
challenges that new
species pose for research,
the public, and
nature conservation.
Quelle: Naturschutzbund Österreich – „Aufgepasst: Taranteln im Vormarsch“
https://naturschutzbund.at/newsreader-36/items/aufgepasst-taranteln-im-vormarsch-suedrussische-schwarzbaeuchige-taranteln-melden-schuetzen.html
(abgerufen am 29.09.2025 um 09:52 Uhr)

Wildlife in Europe
Crimean-Congo virus in Europe – What role the Hyalomma tick play?
Symbolfoto Hyalomma Zecke: iStock/digitalg
The Crimean-Congo virus is spreading
in Europe – Hyalomma ticks
and wild animals play a crucial role.
As n-tv reports, the number of cases is increasing
in Southern and Eastern Europe.
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI),
the risk in Germany is still considered low,
but developments are being closely monitored.
Hyalomma ticks, which are larger than native
species, have striped legs, and actively search
for hosts, are of particular interest. Only a
few specimens have been found in Germany
so far, and none of them carried the virus.
Wild animals such as wild boars and hares can
carry the virus without becoming ill themselves.
According to n-tv, the Crimean-Congo
virus has already been detected in wild and
farm animals in France – an indication that
it is becoming established in animal populations,
thus increasing the risk that infected
ticks will transmit the pathogen to humans.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) warns that
climatic changes and the import of new tick
species could change the situation in the
future. Classic preventive measures such as
long-sleeved clothing, tick repellent, and
careful self-checking after spending time
outdoors are recommended. Monitoring tick
populations and wildlife populations is also
crucial to detect any developments early on.
The virus remains rare in Germany so far,
but examples from
neighboring countries
show that it
makes sense to take
the issue seriously
and remain vigilant.
Quelle: n-tv.de – „Krim-Kongo-Virus breitet sich in Europa aus“ – https://
www.n-tv.de/wissen/Krim-Kongo-Virus-breitet-sich-in-Europa-aus-Wie-grossist-die-Gefahr-fuer-Deutschland-article26063038.html
RKI – Krim-Kongo Hämorrhagisches Fieber (CCHF) – https://www.rki.de/DE/
Themen/Infektionskrankheiten/Infektionskrankheiten-A-Z/K/Krim-Kongohaemorrhagisches-Fieber/cchf-node.html
n-tv.de – „Krim-Kongo-Fieber bei Tieren in Frankreich entdeckt“ – https://
www.n-tv.de/wissen/Krim-Kongo-Fieber-erstmals-bei-Tieren-in-Frankreichentdeckt-fuer-Menschen-potenziell-toedlich-article26055920.html

Cranes on the move again – migration routes, observation tips
Wildlife in Europe
Symbolfoto: iStock/williamhc
The annual crane migration is currently
beginning over Germany – time to look up.
The majestic migration of cranes is beginning
once again. According to NABU (Nature and
Biodiversity Conservation Union), an increasing
number of cranes are currently flying over
areas such as Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate,
and Hesse, as part of their route from their
wintering grounds to their breeding grounds.
The main flight route leads from the breeding
and resting areas in Mecklenburg-Western
Pomerania and Brandenburg via Berlin, Saxony-Anhalt,
Thuringia, Lower Saxony, North
Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate
in a southwesterly direction. (Source:
NABU – Crane Migration Reporting Portal)
Cranes from Scandinavia and the Baltic States
are using the western migration route through
Germany, often via the Diepholz Moor lowlands,
the Ruhr region, and the Rhineland to France
or other wintering grounds. (Source: Kraniche.de
– Migration routes across Germany)
Along the Baltic Sea, the lagoon landscapes
around Darß and the Western Pomerania
coast are currently particularly attractive
as resting places. In some years, tens of
thousands of cranes gather here, taking a
break from their flight. (Source: Ostsee24
– Observing cranes on the Baltic Sea)
Those who want to observe cranes have a
good chance: There are designated observation
points in places like Linum (Brandenburg),
on the Darß-Zingst Bodden, or in the
Diepholz Moor lowlands. (Sources: Berlin.
de – Crane Resting Brandenburg, Zingst.
de – Observing cranes, Birding-Germany)
On the water, crane tours from Schaprode or
Hiddensee offer fascinating insights into these
resting birds – these
trips are currently offered
by ships. (Source:
Reederei Hiddensee
– Crane Tours)
Quelle: NABU – „Kranichzug aktuell“ – Infos zum Kranichflug über Deutschland
NABU – Meldeportal Kranichzug – Route und Beobachtungsmöglichkeiten
Kraniche.de – Zugwege der Kraniche in Deutschland
Ostsee24 – „Kraniche an der Ostsee beobachten“
Berlin.de – „Wo die Kraniche rasten in Brandenburg“
Zingst.de – „Kraniche beobachten in der Boddenlandschaft“
Birding-Germany – Kranichrastplätze und Zugrouten
Reederei Hiddensee – Angebote für Kranichfahrten ab Schaprode / Hiddensee
(abgerufen am 03.10.2025 um 16:04 Uhr)

Wildlife in Germany
End of the breeding and nesting season
Symbolfoto: iStock/Wirestock
The legally established breeding and nesting
season for birds and other wild animals ends in
Germany on October 1st. As stipulated in the
Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG,
Section 39, Paragraph 5), no hedges, bushes, or
woody plants may be severely cut back or removed
between March 1st and September 30th.
The aim of this regulation is to protect breeding
grounds and refuges for birds, small mammals,
and insects during the warmer months.
The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation
(BfN) points out that only gentle maintenance
measures are permitted during this time, such
as removing small twigs or pruning individual
branches. Starting October 1st, more extensive
pruning measures can be carried out again – but
always with consideration for remaining refuges.
The NABU (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation
Union) also emphasizes in its advice for
garden owners that many hedges and bushes are
important habitats not only during the breeding
season. A natural pruning in the fall can help
keep plants healthy while leaving food for animals
in the form of berries and fruit. NABU also
advises always checking whether birds or other
animals are still in the bushes before pruning.
According to the BfN, it is also advisable to carry
out major pruning in the fall or winter, as the
plants are dormant then and the intervention is
less stressful. Many municipalities are also currently
pointing out the end of the pruning bans
and reminding citizens that the law imposes
fines for violations during the breeding season.
With the end of the breeding and nesting
season, it is therefore legally permitted to
extensively prune hedges and shrubs again.
However, nature and species conservationists
like NABU urge consideration and respect for
habitats even outside of the protected period.
Quellen: Bundesnaturschutzgesetz (BNatSchG) – § 39 Abs. 5, Regelung zu
Hecken- und Gehölzschnitten, abrufbar unter: gesetze-im-internet.de
Bundesamt für Naturschutz (BfN) – Hinweise zu Gehölzschnitt und Artenschutz,
abrufbar unter: bfn.de
NABU – Ratgeber „Hecken schneiden, aber richtig“, abrufbar unter: nabu.de
(abgerufen am 03.10.2025, 15:44 Uhr).

The Hummingbird Hawk-moth – a fascinating migratory butterfly
Symbolfoto: iStock/xtrekx
The Hummingbird Hawk-moth (Macroglossum
stellatarum) is a butterfly whose behavior quickly
causes confusion. With its rapid wing beats
and long proboscis, it reminds many people of a
hummingbird – and that‘s exactly how it moves:
buzzing in front of flowers while sucking nectar.
As we explain in the current
profile on Wildbruecke.de, the
Hummingbird Hawk-moth is a
migratory butterfly. It covers astonishing
distances and can even
reach Northern Europe. Its powerful
wings allow it to cover long distances
in a hovering flight, which
is unusual for an insect of its size.
Its lifestyle is also unusual. While
many butterflies are rather shy,
the Hummingbird Hawk-moth
can often be seen on lavender,
phlox, or other summer flowers
– right in the middle of gardens
or parks. This makes it one
of the most easily recognizable butterflies.
Here at Wildbruecke.de, you‘ll find not only
the detailed profile of the Hummingbird
Hawk-moth, which you can download for free
as a PDF, but also other articles about fascinating
wild animals such as the ladybird, the
Asian hornet, and the golden
jackal. This creates a collection
that serves as a valuable
reference for nature lovers.
You can download the
complete profile with
all the information for
free here: wildbruecke.
de/taubenschwaenzchen

The wasp spider – a striking hunter in the sea of ​grasses
Symbolfoto: iStock/Roger De Marfà
The wasp spider (Argiope bruennichi) is one of
the most impressive spider species in Europe.
With its yellow and black striped abdomen, it
resembles a wasp – hence its name. This striking
coloration not only serves as camouflage in the
tall grass but also to deter potential predators.
As we explain in the current profile on Wildbruecke.de,
the wasp spider often builds its
web low among grasses or herbs. A striking
feature is the so-called stabiliment – ​a jagged,
white band in the web, which presumably
contributes to both stability and camouflage.
In its web, it lurks for grasshoppers, butterflies,
and other insects, which it swiftly overpowers
with its venomous bite and threads.
Its distribution is particularly intriguing. Just a
few decades ago, the wasp spider was relatively
rare in Germany, but now, due to climate change,
it can be found in many places. According to
conservation organizations, it is now considered
a symbol of the changes in our insect fauna.
On Wildbruecke.de, you‘ll find not only the
detailed profile of the wasp spider, which
you can download for free as a PDF, but also
other fascinating articles, such as those on the
hummingbird hawk-moth, the ladybug, or the
Asian hornet. This creates a collection that not
only imparts knowledge but also inspires you to
observe wildlife in your own area more closely.
You can download the
complete profile with
all the information for
free here: wildbruecke.
de/wespenspinne