Vineyards and Wildcats?
At a first glance, the two do not seem to go together, but organic vineyards also benefit from intact natural landscapes. Beneficial insects and healthy microclimates make this point clear. Preserving natural habitats not only helps wildcats but also the wine-makers.
Long Misjudged: Wildcats
Intensive hunting of European Wildcats decimated their populations in Germany 150 years ago. Since then, we have learned that this species nourishes itself almost exclusively from mice and does not attack hunting game. In the remaining woodlands of Thuringia and the Rhineland-Palatinate, wildcats are fortunately making a slow comeback.
Recognizing and Adverting Dangers
Wildcats are not synanthropic - animals that can adapt to and benefit from living close to people - and therefore have an especially difficult time surviving in the modern world. In densely used landscapes, cut and divided by roads and highways, many wildcats fall victim to cars at night. The loss of migratory corridors is especially damaging to these animals as it cuts populations off from each other, eliminating the possibility of urgently needed genetic exchange.
Alliance for Wildcats & Co.
The Buedesheim Forest lies between Bingen on the Rhine and Ruemmelsheim on the Nahe. Nearly forgotten species of trees such as the service tree (Sorbus domestica) and checker tree (Sorbus torminalis) still grow here. The forest has been left to nature and is the home to over 70 species of birds including the elegant Eurasian sparrowhawk. The forest also protects surrounding vineyards by acting as a buffer against the cold air coming in from the Hunsrueck mountain range. Despite this, plans have been made to quarry 300,000 tons of rock from this location, thereby destroying an ancient cultural landscape. A vintner from Ruemmelsheim has organized a citizens’ initiative to stop the destruction of the forest. We should help in this effort!
ECOVIN Protects Living Vineyards
Many vineyards in Germany today are once again diverse natural spaces. This is especially the case for vintners who use organic growing techniques and practices. Together with 220 member companies, ECOVIN e.V. is promoting biodiversity on nearly 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) of land. Among other measures, hiking trails through the vineyards are going to be improved or developed as habitat spaces for wildlife. Planting hedges and trees in place of additional rows of vines also helps create more biodiversity. The shy wildcats along the Nahe River are enjoying the benefits of these projects.