Overview
- The Deutsche Wildtier Stiftung announced the selection on November 19 after an open online vote in which red deer topped stoat and golden jackal.
- Roughly 220,000 animals occupy about a quarter of Germany, with many shifting from semi‑open habitats to forests under hunting pressure and human disturbance, creating both conflicts and ecological benefits.
- Experts warn that roads, rail lines, canals and regulatory boundaries are isolating herds and reducing genetic exchange.
- The foundation calls for wildlife corridors, more green bridges and permission for small stepping‑stone populations, alongside restraint on hunting migrating animals.
- Baden‑Württemberg exemplifies regulatory constraints, limiting red deer to about 4% of the state and requiring culls elsewhere.