Gastautor
Nature Diversity Days Kleinwalsertal 2021
Experience nature consciously
16.07.2021
The first “Nature Diversity Days Kleinwalsertal” took place this year in cooperation with the butterfly monitoring (University of Innsbruck), the Tyrolean State Museums and inatura as part of the “Butterflies” theme. In addition to the ten public program points around the colourful butterflies, the main focus of the Nature Diversity Days was on data collection on biodiversity in Kleinwalsertal. Over the three days, the experts were able to document over 200 species of butterflies and moths. One species “Lampropteryx otregiata”, which was recorded on the Hörnle Pass, has only been sighted at one other location in western Austria to date.
butterfly diversity in Kleinwalsertal
In addition, three butterfly species were counted that are classified as highly endangered or threatened with extinction - the Marginal Pearl-bordered Fritillary, the Raised Bog Pearl-bordered Fritillary and the Large Meadow Fritillary. The caterpillars of all three butterflies are specialized on certain food plants that can be found in various types of moorland. With the decline of the moors, the caterpillars' food plants are therefore also disappearing. Well-preserved moorland areas in Kleinwalsertal therefore still offer these three species of butterflies valuable habitats that need to be preserved.
Excursions and lectures
Nature lovers of all ages were able to look over the shoulders of the experts during exciting excursions and lectures. Did you know that there are just over 4,100 species of butterflies and moths in Austria, of which only 215 are our well-known “butterflies”? Or that domestic bats eat almost exclusively insects and thus contribute to the natural regulation of insect populations?
A fascinating connection
But what do bats and butterflies actually have in common? During the “Bat Night” excursion, Petra Schattanek from the University of Innsbruck provided interesting information about these nocturnal hunters. As butterflies are a favorite food of bats, the math is easy to do: a high number of bats indicates a high number of insects - where the prey is, there is also the hunter. This circumstance also allows the assumption of good biodiversity in the respective area, as butterflies are a good indicator of this. Oh yes, the stories about bats in connection with Count Dracula? - All fairy tales.
With net and magnifying glass
On Fridays, nature enthusiasts were even allowed to help out in the best weather. Armed with landing nets and magnifying glasses, they went out into the meadow. After a briefing on the different butterfly species and how to identify them, the participants were allowed to try their luck and catch butterflies and other insects. Each animal was identified, written down and then released. Together, the participants were able to catch some beautiful specimens.
Successful start
Other experiences, such as a children's excursion with nature guide Diana Eckhoff, an excursion to the various habitats in the Ifen area with protected area manager Martin Bösch and a lecture on butterflies rounded off the supporting program.
In summary, the first Nature Diversity Days in Kleinwalsertal were a complete success and we are already looking forward to next year. Take a look at our other nature-related events and excursions in Kleinwalsertal.
