Rescue operation for the endangered Moselle Apollo started!

Rescue operation for the endangered Moselle Apollo started!

The situation of the Apollofalters in Rhineland-Palatinate is worrying. The majestic butterfly, which occurs exclusively in the lower Moselle valley, is increasingly threatened by various environmental factors. Today, the state of Rhineland-Palatinate announced that rescue measures for the endangered moth in the form of a new funding project through the campaign.

The Ministry of the Environment emphasizes the central role of the Apollo Talent as a nature conservation figurehead of the Moselle Valley. Voluntary monitoring activities show an alarming decline in the population. In the Cochem-Zell district, only individual animals were detected at three locations in the last flight season, and in the previous year there were still seven. In the neighboring district of Mayen-Koblenz, however, the number of individuals remained stable and moved in the double-digit range, which corresponds to the previous year's level.

causes of the decline

The causes of the threat of extinction of the Apollo switch are diverse and worrying. The advancement of rock biotopes and vineyards, the entry of pesticides as well as the effects of climate change with longer drought time represent serious threats. The use of pesticides in particular has assumed alarming proportions. The nature conservation officer of the BUND Rhineland-Palatinate, Charlotte Reutter, warns that pesticide cocktails from helicopters are regularly sprayed over the steep slopes from mid-May to the end of July to secure wine production. Although the use of pesticides from the air is generally prohibited, there are numerous exceptional permits.

However, there was a positive signal in the form of the first proof of an apollofalter ice cream in the Nothbach valley, which is characterized by cooler and humid conditions. In addition, several animals were observed between Kobern-Gondorf and Winningen at the newly created Apollo petrol stations. These so-called petrol stations consist of targeted plantings of skabiosis flake flowers, which act as the main nectar source of the Apollo Talents. Breeding and the large -scale planting of these nectar plants is a central measure to maintain the butterfly species.

species protection in the region

The Moselle Apollo age is not only one of the largest butterfly in Germany with a wingspan of 65 to 75 millimeters, but also a unique subspecies that were created by geographical isolation. The wings are scaly and the hind wings have two striking red eye stains. The caterpillars mainly feed on the white grease henne, while the adult butterfly nectar of blue -violet flowers such as flake flowers and carpool lanes suck. Charlotte Reutter calls for an end to the excessive pesticide use to stop the loss of biodiversity. According to the BUND Rheinland-Pfalz Butterfly species.

The current situation of the Apollo switch is a wake -up call for the region and for the environment in which we live. The protection of this majestic creature requires community action and rethinking in agriculture and nature use.