A boost for the barn owl by AUFWIND
The location and reproduction conditions for the barn owl (Tyto alba), which has become rare in the Bergisches Land, are improving. By donating money for the materials AUFWIND helped the Biological Station Mittlere Wupper and Roman Jähne to create new incubators for existing owls of this species.
Read more (text in German): Website Biological Station Middle Wupper
New perspective thanks to AUFWIND (UPWIND)
A drone with a thermal imaging camera, which was purchased with a donation from AUFWIND, is helping the Kleve Naturschutzzentrum (Kleve Nature Conservation Center) to detect nests of meadow birds in high grass and hilly terrain in good time, so that they can be marked and bypassed by farmers when working on the land. This gives curlews, lapwings and the like a better chance of hatching their clutches.
Read more (text in German): Instagram of the Kleve Nature Conservation Center
Good news from the Alpenzoo Innsbruck
The project to save the Bavarian short-eared mouse (microtus bavaricus), supported by Aufwind gGmbH, has had its first successes: offsprings of this highly endangered species were born in the Alpenzoo during summer 2022. This makes everyone involved in the project very confident that the endangered species can be saved from extinction.
More information: see report
Aufwind (Upwind) for bog lilly (Narthecium ossifragum) and friends
In the Hildener Heide (a regional heath area), south of the Jaberg and east of the Taubenberg, the first measures to restore heath and moor are being supported by Aufwind gGmbH for nature and environmental protection. Intact moors are home to numerous highly specialized, endangered animal and plant species and store the largest amounts of CO2 of all land habitats. This is why they need to be preserved as a matter of urgency. The Biological Station Haus Bürgel, the city of Hilden and the district of Mettmann as the lower nature conservation authority are therefore working together to improve the situation of the moors and heaths in the Hilden Heath.
Read more (article in German): Biological Station – Haus Bürgel
AUFWIND (UPWIND) for the meadow birds
The competition for meadow bird protection on the Lower Rhine, which was launched in 2019, has found its continuation. In cooperation with the Naturschutzzentrum Kreis Kleve (Nature Conservation Centre in the District of Kleve), farmers were once again honoured for their measures to ensure survival of meadow breeders such as lapwing, partridge and others.
Read more (article in German): Wettbewerb zum Wiesenvogelschutz – Die diesjährigen Preisträger wurden geehrt – NZ Kleve (nz-kleve.de)
AUFWIND promotes long-term breeding bird protection
In order to prevent the extinction of the fire salamander which is acutely threatened by the „salamander plague“ (Bsal), AUFWIND is helping with an additional donation to the DGHT – German Society for Herpetology and Terrarium Studies. Currently, medical treatment and quarantine of the salamanders are being taken as well as creating a so-called back-up population – with the prospect of reintroducing this species in the natural area Bergisches Land, providing scientific knowledge will enable permanent cure and immunization against the inexorably spreading amphibian skin fungus.
Read more (article in German): Website DGHT
AUFWIND promotes long-term breeding bird protection
With the support of AUFWIND, the Succow Foundation is carrying out measures on the island of Koos in the Greifswalder Bodden (Bay of Greifswald)
to create an area in which extremely endangered wading and water bird species can breed undisturbed and thus hopefully increase populations again greatly.
Read more (article in German): Website Succow-Foundation
The German article of the Succow-Foundation in wording
Verbesserung des Brutvogelschutzes auf der Insel Koos dank Spende
Die Aufwind gGmbH fördert Tor- und Zaunanlage, die Brutvögeln langfristig Schutz vor Raubsäugern bietet.Nach der erfolgreichen Restaurierung des Küstenüberflutungsmoores „Karrendorfer Wiesen“, das Teil des weitläufigen Naturschutzgebietes “Insel Koos, Kooser See und Wampener Riff” ist, stellte sich während der regelmäßigen Brutvogelmonitorings heraus, dass insbesondere die vorgelagerte Insel Koos ein besonders schützenswertes Brutgebiet für viele gefährdete Limikolenarten ist. Auf dem Festland stellen Prädatoren wie Füchse, Marderhunde, Waschbären und Dachse eine akute Bedrohung für brütende Vögel dar. Die kleine Insel Koos im Greifswalder Bodden mit nur einem schmalen Landzugang bietet das große Potenzial, eine relativ ungestörte Zuflucht während der Brutphase zu sein.
Neben der Verbesserung der Biotopeigenschaften und der Fallen- sowie Ansitzjagd durch ein Jägerteam müssen vor Allem die Tor- und Zaunanlage auf der Insel aufgebessert werden – eine Maßnahme, die Brutvögeln langfristig Schutz vor Raubsäugern bietet und damit zur Stabilisierung vieler akut gefährdeter Wat- und Wasservogelpopulationen in dem Naturschutzgebiet beiträgt.
Dank der Unterstützung von Klaus Tamm und der Aufwind gGmbH können Planung und Umbau der Anlage bis zur nächsten Brutphase umgesetzt werden. Insbesondere die in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern stark gefährdeten Arten Rotschenkel (Tringa totanus), Kiebitz (Vanellus vanellus) und Austernfischer (Haematopus ostralegus) sowie Flussregenpfeifer (Charadrius dubius) und Sandregenpfeifer (Charadrius hiaticula), Brandgans (Tadorna tadorna) und Säbelschnäbler (Recurvirostra avosetta) werden von der raschen Umsetzung dieser Maßnahme profitieren.
AUFWIND creates a place in the sun for insects and lizards
Maintaining landscaped areas on the former railroad shunting yard premises, the socalled VohRang terrain, was organised by AUFWIND gGmbH in co-operation with the local nature conservation authority of the city of Wuppertal. Clearing the shrubs enhances the living space for all kind of insects and, concurrently, this place is being preserved as one of the last retreats for the countrywide strongly endangered species of sand lizards (Lacerta agilis).
Read more (article in German): Article in the „Wuppertaler Rundschau“
News story in the „Westdeutsche Zeitung“
AUFWIND helps breeding „Bergische Blühmischung“ a regional native seed mix
Wild plants like brown knapweed (Centaurea jacea), ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) or ragged robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi) as well as other wild growing flowers and weeds used to be naturally and everywhere in the region of Bergisches Land. Nowadays these have become very rare. This is why Biostation Mittlere Wupper started growing these and up to twenty other rare species „by hand“. Thanks to the donation of AUFWIND this laborious task can now be continued in order to supply the „Bergische Blühmischung“ by 2023 in a wider scope and to replenish regional grassland with a variety of biodiversity.
Read more (article in German): Biologische Station Mittlere Wupper
AUFWIND for protection of amphibians and reptiles
Thanks to Benny Trapp, a committed herpetologist, AUFWIND is enabled to financially support measurements for the recuperation of habitats for amphibians and reptiles in the region of Wuppertal.
Read more (article in German): Spende für den Amphibien- und Reptilienschutz im Raum Wuppertal – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Herpetologie und Terrarienkunde e. V. – DGHT
AUFWIND gives hope to the nearly extinct species of Bayerische Kurzohrmaus (Microtus bavaricus)
A donation by Aufwind enables the Alpenzoo Innsbruck, together with the State of Tyrolia, the Tierpark Hellabrunn (Zoo Munich) and the University of Vienna, to save this rare endemic species.
Read more: www.alpenzoo.at/de // www.facebook.com/alpenzooinnsbruck // www.iucnredlist.org/species/13461/90865453
„The Bayerische Kurzohrmaus is the only endemic mammal in Germany and Austria. Due to its very small existence and its special requirements for the quality of its habitat this species is highly threatened to extinction. The effects of changes in the local habitat like destruction of the environment, diseases, climate change etc. on a small monitored population already show that these changes probably lead to extinction of the general species. The perspective is not good. This mouse is more threatened than tiger, snow leopard or panda bears. This is why the Alpenzoo Innsbruck will take a leading role to save this species. Together with partners like the non-profit organisation Aufwind for nature protection, the State of Tyrolia, the Tierpark Hellabrunn (Zoo Munich) and the University of Vienna a concept will be pursued to help this species to survive by a „Noah’s-Ark-population“ and in parallel by protecting the last remaining habitat. It is a very challenging project for the Alpenzoo in 2021 which was enabled only by Aufwind for nature protection.
(…) Thanks a lot to: Klaus Tamm & Tamm Photography.“
After the blossoming follows the trimming…
AUFWIND gGmbH is helping AGNU (Working Group for Nature und Environment) in Haan by donating funds for purchasing a sicle bar mower. This special tool allows gentle and conservative fostering of wild flower meadows.
Read more (article in german)
AUFWIND protects Blackgame in Luneburg Heath
The black grouse, so typical for this region is threatened with extinction by the loss of biotops and dewatering. The Institut für Terrestrische und Aquatische Wildtierforschung der Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover (research institute) is actively field researching for the habitat and species conservation. AUFWIND is funding the various measures of the institute in order to stop extinction.
Read more (article in german)
The German article of the Foundation of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TIHA) in wording
AUFWIND fördert Birkhuhnschutz in der Lüneburger Heide Zeitraum 01.01.2020-23.08.2023
Das Birkhuhn war bis Mitte des 20ten Jahrhunderts der Charaktervogel der norddeutschen Moore und Heiden. Stetige Arealverluste durch Entwässerungen und Abtorfungen mit intensiven landwirtschaftlichen Veränderungen führten jedoch zu einem rapiden Bestandsrückgang in ganz Mitteleuropa, gefolgt von einem Erlöschen der meisten Populationen. Der aktuelle Gesamtbestand in Deutschland wird auf etwa 1200 Individuen geschätzt, wobei das Hauptvorkommen in den Bayerischen Alpen liegt und sich eine letzte Restpopulation in Niedersachsen von etwa 200 Birkhühnern im Großraum der Lüneburger Heide gehalten hat. Voraussetzungen für den langfristigen Erhalt des niedersächsischen Birkhuhnbestandes sind jedoch die konsequente Sicherung, Verbesserung und Vernetzung der Lebensräume. Die verschiedenen populationserhaltenden Maßnahmen in der Lüneburger Heide werden derzeit vornehmlich durch ein intensives und angepasstes Biotop- und Prädatorenmanagement umgesetzt. Dieser aktive Birkhuhnschutz wird von verschiedenen Forschungsarbeiten des Instituts für Terrestrische und Aquatische Wildtierforschung der Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover begleitet, die wesentliche Grundlagen zur Habitatnutzung des Birkhuhns und deren Gefährdungsfaktoren erbringen. Unterstützt werden diese Feldforschungen durch den Verein der Förderer des Instituts für Wildtierforschung über eingehende Sachspenden und Durchführung kleinerer eigenständiger Projekte.
Aktuell hat der Birkhuhnschutz zusätzlich eine großzügige Spende der gemeinnützigen AUFWIND für Natur- und Umweltschutz erhalten. Das Anliegen der 2015 von dem preisgekrönten Naturfotografen Klaus Tamm gegründeten non-profit-Organisation ist es, bedrohte Tier- und Pflanzenarten und deren Lebensräume zu schützen (siehe auch: www.aufwind-naturschutz.de).
Commitment is paying off: Farmers at the Lower Rhine Area and Ground Breeders benefit from Aufwind’s donation.
Read more (article in German): Website Naturschutzzentrum im Kreis Kleve e.V.
Aufwind supports research on Castroviejoi hare
During a journey in the Extremadura I studied animals in Spain and came across a very rare species, the Castroviejoi hare. For the first time ever, it was scientifically described in 1977, and – just discovered – it is already in danger to get extincted. This made me supporting the scientific research on this special species by a donation of Aufwind gGmbH. Since, only what you know you can protect.
More information:
Aufwind gGmbH supports research on Lepus castroviejoi
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Klaus Tamm, German citizen living in Wuppertal, has been observing and photographing nature for many years , and he is noticing how biodiversity in our environment is increasingly declining. This led him to establish Aufwind gGmbH, a non-profit nature conservation organisation. The aim of this foundation is to promote nature conservation by supporting both regional and international initiatives with the proceeds from the sale his photographs.
Klaus Tamm supports conservation research on the broom hare Lepus castroviejoi, a species in decline and with an IUCN Red List Status of Vulnerable. WLS is grateful for this generous support and will report on the project in due course and at the 6th World Lagomorph Conference!
Screenshot of the article at the Lagomorph Society website
Protection of ground nesting birds in the Niederrhein region
The centre for nature conservation in Kleve (Naturschutzzentrum im Kreis Kleve e.V.) recently received a donation from AUFWIND to aid the protection of ground-nesting birds in the region. These birds, especially sky lark, lapwing, European stonechat, whinchat, common redshank, black-tailed godwit and curlew require natural, open pastureland for breeding and foraging. Their habitat has been greatly restricted through intensive agricultural farming practices.
A monocular was purchased to allow easier detection of ground-nesting lapwing, to conduct an initial survey of nests. Once located, the nests are marked with bamboo sticks, so that farmers can avoid the nests while working the field. This method enhances the nesting success of lapwing.
For more information about this project, please visit the website of Naturschutzzentrum im Kreis Kleve e.V.
Subsequent protection measures will be implemented in 2019, and highlighted here in the future.
Photographers Against Wildlife Crime™
Non-profit Aufwind supports the initiative “Photographers Against Wildlife CrimeTM”, founded by Britta Jaschinski and Keith Wilson. A photo book published by the initiative raises awareness of the illegal killing of wild animals and the illegal trade in wild animal products.
An important step for this initiative is the publication of the photo book in China, where the main markets are for illegal products of endangered animals, such as elephants, rhinoceros, tiger, and scaly anteater.
Please visit www.photographersagainstwildlifecrime.com for more information.
Britta Jaschinski (co-founder of Photographers Against Wildlife Crime™) is very grateful:
„AUFWIND (translated UPWIND)
Photographers Against Wildlife Crime™ are proud to receive a generous donation from AUFWIND – For Nature Protection.
This contribution will make a difference! It will help the distribution of our all important book in China. We are most grateful!
AUFWIND was founded in 2015 by award winning photographer Klaus Tamm, to support initiatives that protect endangered species and preserve wild spaces. In the past two years AUFWIND has made a valuable contribution towards conservation. By simply purchasing Klaus Tamm’s stunning photographs, you will be supporting
his organisation’s environmental protection initiatives. Donations are also welcome.
„We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we don’t do.’ (Voltaire)“
International project: Remembering Elephants“
„Elephants will be extincted within the next 20 years if nothing is being done against illegal ivory trade. Already the coming generation will not be able to experience these remarkable creatures in the wild. This fact demonstrates how urgently action needs to be taken“, says Klaus Tamm.
Therefore Aufwind gGmbH is donating 10.000,- Euro to the Born Free Foundation and the project „Remembering Elephants.
Margot Raggett (Founder of „Remembering Elephants“):
„We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we have received a staggering donation today to Remembering Elephants of 10,000€ by the photographer Klaus Tamm’s non-profit organisation AUFWIND. Klaus is hugely committed to supporting conservation projects and this donation is part of that commitment. He was moved to make the donation after hearing our editor Keith Wilson speak about the Remembering Elephants project at the recent GDT Festival. (…)
And please join us in thanking Klaus for this amazing and generous donation!“
A first project has already been launched: fruit tree care for the little owl
Over a period of three years, Aufwind für Naturschutz gGmbH is funding professional tree care of about 120 old fruit trees in the region Wuppertal / Wülfrath. The intention is to get the trees to preserve the living conditions of the extremely endangered little owl. This species, Athene noctua, breeds in the cavities of old fruit trees and pollard willows. The care of the old trees is time consuming and needs to be regularly carried out by experts. With the support from Aufwind gGmbH these measures now help securing the habitat of the little owl for the next 30 years.
Newspaper article in Westdeutsche Zeitung February, 22th 2016 (German)
Project documentation
Many, many thanks to the buyers of my photographs and books as well as to the organizers and audiences of my lectures, exhibitions, seminars and photo workshops.
So far, a first step has been made, and there is more to come …
