On 19 March 2025, another decisive step was taken to preserve one of the rarest mammal species in Europe and the world: The Innsbruck-Tyrol Alpine Zoo and the Garmisch-Partenkirchen State Ornithological Centre at the Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU) officially launched the species conservation project to save the Bavarian short-eared mouse (Microtus bavaricus) was launched. At a ceremonial kick-off event, the partner institutions signed the contract for this cross-border initiative, which is dedicated to the protection of this endangered vole species.
The Bavarian short-eared vole was first discovered near Garmisch-Partenkirchen in 1962 and was considered lost after decades of non-appearance - until individuals were found again in Mittenwald in 2023 after many years of searching by the LfU Bavaria. Until then, the only other known occurrence was in North Tyrol, near the Innsbruck-Tyrol Alpine Zoo. Due to its small distribution area and extremely small population size, it is classified as "Critically Endangered" (CR) on the IUCN Red List.
The EUREGIO-Region Zugspitze-Wetterstein-Karwendel is a crucial habitat for the species and plays a central role in the new conservation programme. One of the aims of the project is to set up a species conservation centre at the Innsbruck-Tyrol Alpine Zoo to ensure the long-term conservation of endangered small mammals and other Alpine species. 75 % of the project is funded by the Interreg Bavaria-Austria programme and other funds from the Alpine Zoo.
The measures of the EU project for the protection of the Bavarian short-eared vole include
- Regular monitoring of the remaining populations in Bavaria and Tyrol,
- conservation measures and habitat management to preserve and optimise suitable habitats, and
- Public relations and environmental education to draw attention to the importance of this unique species.
The signing of the agreement marks a major step forward for the protection of the Bavarian short-eared vole. The Innsbruck-Tyrol Alpine Zoo and the LfU Bavaria are jointly committed to the conservation of this rare species.
"This project is a prime example of cross-border species and nature conservation. Together we can save a species that hardly anyone knows about - but which is nevertheless part of our Alpine biodiversity," explains Dr André Stadler, Director of the Innsbruck-Tyrol Alpine Zoo.
Sabrina Blandau, Managing Director of EUREGIO Zugspitze-Wetterstein-Karwendel, who was present at the kick-off, adds: "We are delighted that this special project is being funded by the Interreg Bavaria-Austria programme and that species conservation can be supported in this way."
See also: Species conservation projects of the Alpenzoo
Günther Platter, President of the Innsbruck-Tyrol Alpine Zoo Association
Dr Nora Weyer, species conservation coordinator at the Alpenzoo
Simon Damerow, Regional Management Innsbruck-Land of the EUREGIO Zugspitze - Wetterstein - Karwendel (EZWK)
Sabrina Blandau, Managing Director of EUREGIO Zugspitze - Wetterstein - Karwendel (EZWK)
Dr André Stadler, Director of the Alpenzoo
Dr Simon Ripperger, expert from the Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU)
Photos: Alpine Zoo / T. Steinlechner
