Animal species affected
The species presented here are particularly frequent victims of illegal killings. Discover detailed descriptions of the individual species, including their characteristic identifying features, endangerment and conservation status and the most common methods of illegal killing.
Wolf
Canis lupus
After having been extinct for a long time, the wolf is returning from the east and has been settling in Germany for 20 years and in Austria for a few years now. The confirmed population in Germany is over 1,300 animals, in Austria there are 45 individuals. Wolves live in packs and are mainly active at dusk and at night.
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Lynx
Lynx lynx
The lynx is the largest European cat species. Formerly very widespread, there are now just around 130 – 180 individuals in Germany and around 40 animals in Austria after the species was severely decimated. Their habitat is mainly forests, but also barren, rocky mountain regions. They are nocturnal and crepuscular loners that usually only come together during the mating season. They undertake nocturnal expeditions of up to 40 kilometers.
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Beaver
Castor fiber
The beaver is the largest European rodent and was on the verge of extinction for a long time. There are now over 40,000 animals living in Germany again, and around 9,000 in Austria. Beavers inhabit both flowing and standing waters – preferably surrounded by forests. As ecosystem engineers, they strongly shape their habitat and are known for building so-called beaver lodges in which they live in family groups. They are active at dusk and at night.
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Eurasian otter
Lutra lutra
Otters are members of the marten family that are perfectly adapted to both water and land life. Rivers, marshes, swamps, fjords, sea coasts as well as high mountain and lowland lakes are among their habitats. They are mainly crepuscular and nocturnal, but can also be found as solitary animals during the day. They seek shelter in riverbank caves, under the roots of old trees or in muskrat burrows.
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European bison
Bison bonasus
The European bison is a relative of the American bison and the largest land mammal in Europe. There is only a very small population in Germany; Eastern Europe has the main populations. The cloven-hoofed animals inhabit structurally rich landscapes consisting of deciduous, mixed and coniferous forests as well as clearings, pastures and meadows. European bison mainly form herds, only older bulls live solitary lives. They do not have typical territories, but live in large roaming areas that can overlap.
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Brown bear
Ursus arctos
European brown bears are the second largest bears in the world and the largest predators in Europe. Once widespread throughout the continent, the animals are now only found in very few regions. In Central Europe, they inhabit forests in valleys and mountain regions. There is no existing population in Germany or Austria. However, there are occasional crossings of Austrian-Italian or Slovenian individuals into Austria or Bavaria. There are 2 – 3 brown bears in Austria (2018-2020), while there are around 80 individuals in the Alps (2019). European brown bears tend to be nocturnal, which may be due to human activity. They hibernate in winter, live solitary lives and have no fixed territories.
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Eurasian Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis
The goshawk is one of the most frequently persecuted birds of prey in Germany and is found in almost all of Europe. The birds inhabit forests, meadows and increasingly also cities. Goshawks form permanent breeding pairs, but outside the breeding phase the animals live separately. They defend their territories intensively and, as resident birds, usually remain in them all year round.
Illegally killed animals in Germany
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Illegally killed animals in Austria
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Eurasian eagle-owl
Bubo bubo
The eagle owl is the largest owl in Europe. In Central Europe, the species inhabits forests and fields and prefers to breed in relatively inaccessible rock formations or quarries. In Germany there are up to 1,000 breeding pairs, in Austria it is estimated that there are between 360 and 530. The animals are nocturnal and excellent hunters. As resident birds, they do not migrate in winter and intensively defend the narrower area around their nest.
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Common buzzard
Buteo buteo
The common buzzard is one of the most common birds of prey in Germany and Austria. The favoured habitat consists of fields, forest edges and avenues. Buzzards are resident birds and are fairly territorial. Breeding pairs can stay together for life. They often hunt from fences and poles in search of prey.
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Red kite
Milvus milvus
Red kites are common birds of prey. They inhabit fields, meadows and open cultivated landscapes. While Germany is home to the world’s largest population, Austrian numbers are also constantly growing. Depending on the seasonal food situation, the birds either stay in Germany and Austria or migrate for the winter.
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White-tailed eagle (sea eagle)
Haliaetus albicilla
The white-tailed eagle is the largest European bird of prey and was once widespread throughout most of the continent. It uses rivers, inland lakes and sea coasts for hunting and undisturbed forests as breeding grounds. The animals are resident birds in Central Europe and remain in their territories throughout the winter. There is also a strong influx of Nordic birds at this time.
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Imperial eagle
Aquila heliaca
The species occurs mainly in the Pannonian Plain (Lower Austria and Burgenland, and further towards south-east Europe). After being wiped out more than 200 years ago, the bird is returning to Austria. Imperial eagles use flat and hilly forests and wind-protected lowlands as breeding habitats. They form permanent marriages and remain in fixed territories.
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Marsh harrier
Circus aeruginosus
Marsh harriers are a common medium-sized bird of prey species in Germany and partly in Austria. They are not found in Central Europe during the winter, as they are migratory birds. They breed near water and hunt on open land, but rarely form territories. When flying, their upward-pointing wings form a V-shape.
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Peregrine falcon
Falco peregrinus
Peregrine falcons are one of the largest falcon species and are found almost all over the world. They are also the fastest animals in the world with a top speed of around 350 km/h. Wooded areas, steep rock faces and man-made structures provide ideal breeding grounds for the animals, while large, open areas are used for hunting. Older animals are resident birds, but juveniles migrate to warmer regions.
Illegally killed animals in Germany
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