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.

  • Straight backline
  • small, triangular ears
  • light colouring of the underside of the snout and the throat
  • hanging, relatively short tail with black tip
  • Conservation status in Germany (Habitats Directive report): unfavourable-bad,improving (2019)
  • Austria: regionally extinct
  • International: Annex II Bern Convention
  • EU level: species requiring strict protection Annex II & IV Habitats Directive
  • Germany: Specially and strictly protected (§ 44 BNatschG), protected all year round (SächsJagdG, NJagdG)
  • Austria: protected under hunting and / or nature conservation law (regional differences)
  • Illegal killings are a criminal offence

 

  • Shooting

 

Wolf

Canis lupus

After a long period of extinction caused by humans, the wolf is returning from the east and has been re-establishing itself in Germany for 20 years and in Austria for a few years now. In the 2022/2023 monitoring year, 184 packs, 46 pairs and 22 territorial individuals were recorded in Germany. There are 6 packs in Austria. Wolves live in family groups (packs), which usually consist of a parent pair, the young of the last two years and the pups. They are mainly crepuscular and nocturnal.

Illegally killed wolves in Germany

This graph shows the number of illegally killed wolves per year in Germany, based on confirmed cases. However, the actual number of unreported cases is likely to be considerably higher. (Source: DBBW – Dokumentations- und Beratungsstelle des Bundes zum Thema Wolf)

Illegally killed wolves in Austria

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

  • Tufts of hair at the tips of the ears (so-called ‘brushes’)
  • Whiskers
  • spotted coat
  • short tail with black end
  • High-legged (higher at the back than at the front)
  • Conservation status in Germany (FFH report, 2019):
    Unfavourable-bad, unchanging
  • Conservation status in Austria (FFH report, 2019):
    Unfavourable-bad, unknown trend (alpine region),
    unfavourable-insufficient, unchanging (continental region)
  • International: Annex III Bern Convention
  • EU: species requiring strict protection, Annex II, IV Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC)
  • Germany: specially and strictly protected (§ 44 BNatschG), protected all year round (§ 22 BJagdG), no longer included in hunting law in NRW
  • Illegal killings are a criminal offence
  • Shooting
  • Shooting (slow death as a result of injuries inflicted)

Many lynx disappear without a trace: up to 20% of adults and up to 50% of juveniles.

Lynx

Lynx lynx

The lynx is the largest European cat species. After the species was wiped out at the end of the 19th century, almost 200 individuals are now living in Germany and around 40 animals in Austria thanks to reintroduction projects. Their preferred habitat are forests of any composition. Lynx are nocturnal and crepuscular solitary animals that usually only meet during the mating season. During their nocturnal forays, they can cover up to 40 kilometres.

Illegally killed lynxes in Germany

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

Illegally killed lynxes in Austria

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

  • flat, scaly tail (“trowel”)
  • Large, reddish front teeth
  • Coat colour ranges from light reddish brown to almost black.
  • Conservation status in Germany (FFH report, 2019):
    favourable, improving
  • Conservation status in Austria (FFH report, 2019):
    unfavourable-insufficient, improving (alpine region)
    favourable, improving (continental region)
  • International: Annex II Bern Convention
  • EU level: strictly protected Annex II & IV Habitats Directive
  • Germany: strictly protected (§ 44 BNatschG)
  • Austria: Protected under hunting and nature conservation law (state laws)
  • Shooting
  • Traps

Beaver lodges are also frequently destroyed.

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 individuals 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.

Illegally killed beavers in Germany

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

Illegally killed beavers in Austria

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

  • elongated body, long tail
  • extremely dense, brown coat
  • marten-like appearance
  • Conservation status in Germany (FFH report, 2019):
    unfavourable-insufficient, improving
  • Conservation status in Austria (FFH report, 2019):
    unfavourable-insufficient, improving (alpine region)
    favourable, improving (continental region)
  • International: Annex II Bern Convention
  • EU level: strictly protected Annex II & IV Habitats Directive
  • Germany: strictly protected (§ 44 BNatschG)
  • Austria: strictly protected according to hunting law and / or nature conservation law (state differences) (NatSchG)
  • Shooting
  • Traps

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.

Illegally killed otters in Germany

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

Illegally killed otters in Austria

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

  • striking, muscular hump
  • noticeable sexual dimorphism (males larger and heavier than females)
  • Horns bent inwards
  • German Red List: Extinct
  • Austrian Red List: Extinct
  • Shooting

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.

Illegally killed bison in Germany

To date, two bison have been illegally shot in Germany.

  • long, heavy body
  • muscular neck
  • short stub tail
  • German Red List: Extinct
  • Austrian Red List: Vulnerable
  • International: Annex II Bern Convention
  • EU level: strictly protected Annex II & IV Habitats Directive
  • Germany: strictly protected (§ 44 BNatschG)
  • Austria: strictly protected according to hunting law and / or nature conservation law (state differences) (NatSchG)
  • Shooting

In addition, many bears disappear without a trace. In recent years, 22 out of 31 newborn bears have disappeared in Austria.

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.

Illegally killed brown bears in Germany

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

Illegally killed brown bears in Austria

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

  • strong, yellow, hooked beak
  • brown plumage with contrasting, lighter-coloured feather base
  • wide, rounded, brown tail
  • Report according to the EU Birds Directive, Germany (2020):
    regularly breeding, stable
  • Report in accordance with the EU Birds Directive, Austria (2019)
    Declining stock trend
  • International: Annex II Bern Convention
  • EU level: strictly protected Annex II & IV Habitats Directive
  • Germany: strictly protected (§ 44 BNatschG)
  • Austria: strictly protected according to hunting law and / or nature conservation law (state differences) (NatSchG)
  • Trapping (with hawk trapping baskets)
  • Shooting
  • Poisoning

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.

Trapping (with hawk trapping baskets)Illegally killed hawks in Germany

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

Illegally killed hawks in Austria

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

  • Distinctively pointed feather ears (up to eight centimetres long)
  • roundish but strong body
  • Report according to the EU Birds Directive, Germany (2020):
    regularly breeding, increasingly
  • Report in accordance with the EU Birds Directive, Austria (2019)
    Stable stock trend
  • International: Annex II in the Bern Convention
  • EU: Annex I Birds Directive
  • Germany: strictly protected (§7 Abs.) 2 Nr.13-14 BNatSchG) or to spare all year (§2 Bundesjagdgesetz (BJagdG))
  • Austria: strictly protected according to hunting law and / or nature conservation law (state differences) (NatSchG)

 

  • Shooting
  • Nest destruction
  • Poisoning

Eagle owls are also endangered by illegal felling of eyrie trees.

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 faces or quarries. In Germany there are up to 1,000 breeding pairs, in Austria it is assumed that there are 360 to 530 breeding pairs. 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.

Illegally killed eagle owls in Germany

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

Illegally killed eagle owls in Austria

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

  • Feathers are dark brown to white, spotted, with a lighter coloured belly
  • short tail feathers
  • Report according to the EU Birds Directive, Germany (2020):
    regularly breeding, moderate decline 
  • Report in accordance with the EU Birds Directive, Austria (2019)
    Increasing stock trend
  • International: Annex II in the Bern Convention
  • EU: Annex I Birds Directive
  • Germany: strictly protected (§7 Abs.) 2 Nr.13-14 BNatSchG) or to spare all year (§2 Bundesjagdgesetz (BJagdG))
  • Austria: strictly protected according to hunting law and / or nature conservation law (state differences) (NatSchG)
  • Poisoning
  • Shooting

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.

Illegally killed buzzards in Germany

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

Illegally killed buzzards in Austria

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

  • reddish-red base colour
  • forked tail
  • Report according to the EU Birds Directive, Germany (2020):
    regularly breeding, stable
  • Report in accordance with the EU Birds Directive, Austria (2019)
    Increasing stock trend
  • International: Annex II in the Bern Convention
  • EU: Annex I Birds Directive
  • Germany: strictly protected (§7 Abs.) 2 Nr.13-14 BNatSchG) or to spare all year (§2 Bundesjagdgesetz (BJagdG))
  • Austria: strictly protected according to hunting law and / or nature conservation law (state differences) (NatSchG)
  • Poisoning
  • Shooting

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.

Illegally killed red kites in Germany

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

Illegally killed red kites in Austria

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

  • dark, brown basic colour with light head and neck
  • white tail
  • wide wings
  • Report according to the EU Birds Directive, Germany (2020):
    regularly breeding, increasingly
  • Report according to the EU Birds Directive, Austria (2019):
    Increasing stock trend
  • International: Annex II in the Bern Convention
  • EU: Annex I Birds Directive
  • Germany: strictly protected (§7 Abs.) 2 Nr.13-14 BNatSchG) or to spare all year (§2 Bundesjagdgesetz (BJagdG))
  • Austria: strictly protected according to hunting law and / or nature conservation law (state differences) (NatSchG)
  • Poisoning
  • Shooting

Sea eagles are also endangered by illegal felling of eyrie trees.

White-tailed eagle (sea eagle)

Haliaeetus 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.

Sea eagles killed illegally in Germany

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

Sea eagles killed illegally in Austria

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

  • large eagle with evenly wide wings
  • dark, almost unicoloured black-brown plumage with white shoulder patches
  • light to golden brown neck and head
  • Report according to the EU Birds Directive, Germany (2020):
    – 
  • Report according to the EU Birds Directive, Austria (2019):
    Increasing stock trend
  • International: Annex II in the Bern Convention
  • EU: Annex I Birds Directive
  • Germany: strictly protected (§7 Abs.) 2 Nr.13-14 BNatSchG) or to spare all year (§2 Bundesjagdgesetz (BJagdG))
  • Austria: strictly protected according to hunting law and / or nature conservation law (state differences) (NatSchG)
  • Poisoning
  • Shooting

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.

Imperial eagles killed illegally in Germany

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

Imperial eagles killed illegally in Austria

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

  • Females and young birds are dark brown with a light yellow head
  • Males are tricoloured: dark brown body and belly, light grey middle wing area and black wing tips
  • Report according to the EU Birds Directive, Germany (2020):
    Regularly breeding, moderate decline 
  • Report in accordance with the EU Birds Directive, Austria (2019)
    Stable stock trend
  • International: Annex II in the Bern Convention
  • EU: Annex I Birds Directive
  • Germany: strictly protected (§7 Abs.) 2 Nr.13-14 BNatSchG) or to spare all year (§2 Bundesjagdgesetz (BJagdG))
  • Austria: strictly protected according to hunting law and / or nature conservation law (state differences) (NatSchG)
  • Shooting
  • Poisoning

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.

Illegally killed marsh harriers in Germany

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

Illegally killed marsh harriers in Austria

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

  • dark grey upper side, black-banded white underside
  • black beard stripe on the cheeks
  • yellow hooked beak
  • Report according to the EU Birds Directive, Germany (2020):
    regularly breeding, increasingly
  • Report in accordance with the EU Birds Directive, Austria (2019)
    Stable stock trend
  • International: Annex II in the Bern Convention
  • EU: Annex I Birds Directive
  • Germany: strictly protected (§7 Abs.) 2 Nr.13-14 BNatSchG) or to spare all year (§2 Bundesjagdgesetz (BJagdG))
  • Austria: strictly protected according to hunting law and / or nature conservation law (state differences) (NatSchG)
  • Poisoning
  • Shooting

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 peregrine falcons in Germany

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

Illegal getötete Wanderfalken in Österreich

No Data available

Only the actual confirmed cases of illegal killings are listed. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many cases are not discovered or reported.

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