Quails found on the southern slopes of Bamberg

In the picturesque city of Bamberg, a dedicated group of conservationists known as the Bamberg Partridge Group are making strides in their mission to protect and promote the population of an endangered bird species.

For over three decades, the Bamberg Partridge Group has been actively releasing young partridges in the city and district, a testament to their unwavering commitment to biodiversity. This collaboration between the city, nature conservation organisations, and voluntary groups has been instrumental in sustainably securing the city's biodiversity.

The latest release of 41 wild partridges in the southern meadows is a significant step towards preserving species diversity in the region. Mayor and Environmental Referent Jonas Glüsenkamp explained that this release signifies protection for endangered species and the promotion of biodiversity in the region.

One of the most notable figures in the group's history is Rudolf Frauenknecht, a 93-year-old conservationist who has been dedicated to partridge conservation for nearly 40 years. His passion and commitment were evident in his supplementary release of European partridges in the Naisa area in April 2020, where he released 16 partridges (8 pairs) into the wild. This release was a significant moment that underscores Frauenknecht's long-standing dedication to species conservation.

The Bamberg Partridge Group's efforts have significantly contributed to the recovery of the partridge population in the city. Through continuous release, the partridge population has shown a notable increase. However, despite year-round hunting prohibition, maintaining the population of partridges in the wild remains a challenge.

All released partridges in Bamberg come from captive breeding. This method ensures the survival of the species in the wild, as the birds are acclimated to the local environment before release. The suitable sites for partridge release in Bamberg include the southern meadows, the Buger meadows, Geisfeld, Zeegendorf, Leesten, Mistendorf, and Amlingstadt.

The city of Bamberg views the protection of endangered species and promotion of biodiversity as a clear signal of its commitment to a sustainable future. The city's endorsement and support of the Partridge Group's work are integral to their biodiversity strategy. The success of the Partridge Group serves as an inspiration for other cities and organisations working towards similar goals.