Reduction of damage caused by rooks
The Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) is conducting a research project on behalf of the State Office for the Environment (LfU ) to reduce damage caused by rooks on Agriculture land.
The aim of the project is to determine the effectiveness of lethal individual removals as a management measure to prevent damage caused by rooks and crows in Agriculture compared to non-lethal measures. In particular, it will be investigated under which conditions a sustainable deterrent effect can be achieved and damage to Agriculture land can be reduced. The deterrence measures will take place in the period from 1 April 2026 to 31 July 2026 and thus during the main damage period for Agriculture crops.
Project manager Christoph Moning, Professor of Zoology and Animal Ecology at the Landscape Architecture department, explains: „The problem of damage in Agriculture has been increasing in recent years, but damage events are hardly predictable and fluctuate between years. The aim is to identify specific effective deterrence measures for Agriculture that have so far only been described anecdotally or have not been the subject of sufficient scientific research.“
In addition to the deterrence measures already in use, the frequently demanded shooting of rooks as a deterrence measure is to be evaluated. The aim is to present farmers and hunters, as well as authorities, with a range of effective measures that can be implemented in practice.
Project areas
In the Straubing region, the project area includes the municipalities of Aholfing, Aiterhofen, Atting, Feldkirchen, Geiselhöring, Kirchroth, Parkstetten, Perkam, Rain, Salching and Steinach as well as the city of Straubing.
In the Bäumenheim region, the project area includes the municipalities of Asbach-Bäumenheim, Mertingen and Oberndorf as well as neighbouring areas up to 500 metres away in the municipalities of Donauwörth, Genderkingen, Münster, Rain and Tapfheim. The focus in the region is on maize crops, although other crops are also included if capacity is available.
In the Königsmoos region, the project area includes the municipalities of Berg im Gau, Burgheim, Brunnen, Ehekirchen, Karlshuld, Königsmoos, Langenmosen, Oberhausen, Neuburg an der Donau, Rohrenfels, Schrobenhausen and Weichering. The focus in the region is on maize crops, with other crops also being included if capacity is available.
In the Erding region, the project area includes the municipalities of Berglern, Bockhorn, Eitting, Erding, Moosinning, Neuching, Oberding, Walpertskirchen and Wörth.
Areas in nature reserves, bird sanctuaries, CEF and FCS areas for farmland and meadow breeders, areas of the Bavarian meadow breeding landscape and areas within the protection zone for a common tern colony arenot included.
In principle, all damage can be reported; the status of the protected area is checked by the University of applied sciences. Damage reports within protected areas are included in the evaluation of overall damage.
Realisation and documentation
- Report damage to the University of applied sciences (image or video by email or WhatsApp)
- Area is located in the project area and not in a protected area
- Approval of the shooting by HSWT
The HSWT confirms in writing that the project has been accepted and the shooting has been authorised. The deterrence measures are implemented in consultation with the University of applied sciences.
The shootings are documented by the hunters and the vegetation development is documented by the HSWT.
Farmers and hunters will receive detailed information when the project starts.
