Nandu population plummets in northern Germany, hunting restricted

The once-thriving population of wild Nandus in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has dwindled to just 39 individuals, leading authorities to suspend hunting of the exotic birds. Environmental Minister Till Backhaus stated that the decision was made in agreement with farmers, local authorities, and hunters to avoid further pressure on the remaining population.

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We have decided, in agreement with the farmers, the district, and the hunters, to suspend the hunting of adult Nandus so as not to put further pressure on the population.

The goal is to maintain a population between 50 and 100 individuals, explicitly stating that the species is not slated for eradication. "The species should not be wiped out here," Backhaus emphasized, "but it should also not spread beyond the Nordwestmecklenburg district."

The Nandus, native to South America, originated from a small group that escaped an enclosure around the turn of the millennium. They reproduced rapidly due to a lack of natural predators and the mild North German winters. The population peaked in 2018 with almost 600 birds, but farmers increasingly complained about them damaging crops, particularly rapeseed.

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The species should not be wiped out here, but it should also not spread beyond the Nordwestmecklenburg district.

Hunting was permitted starting in 2019, and the birds were officially included in hunting laws in 2020. However, the current low numbers raise questions about the effectiveness and accuracy of past counts. Minister Backhaus suggested that the birds have become very shy and elusive due to hunting, leading to an "undercount." Further population counts are planned for the fall to inform future decisions on hunting regulations.

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We assume a certain dark figure.