Butterflies

Habitat for rare species

2016 the Munich Airport's environmental department startet a new project - the new home for threatened butterfly species in the boglands of the Freisinger Moos. This takes considerable expertise and great patience – because butterflies are very demanding tenants.

Each of the four rare butterfly species has its own very special requirements for its biotope. To meet the very individual needs of the
future inhabitants, the environmental expert has worked with the airport's real estate department to select six suitable plots of land. The project site covers a total area of five hectares.

The preparation work is now underway, with plantings of specific plant species such as the great burnet and bistort and the clearing of woodland in some areas. At the same time, a special mowing concept has been developed to meet the needs of the butterflies. A 50,000 square meter protected habitat is being created for the bogland butterflies.

The landscape planner will need patience, however: "Endangered species don't settle in an area overnight." Nevertheless, the project, which has a five-year timeline, represents a real opportunity for the butterflies to thrive on a sustainable basis under ideal conditions. 

Also after the project closure in 2020, the plots of land will be cultivated for the threatened butterfly to meet their high expenses.

Endangered species don't settle in an area overnight.

Nadja Braun Conservation Expert

Nadja Braun

Expert for environment at Munich Airport

Conservation of butterflies at Freisinger Moos

Sophisticated residents

  • Maculinea teleius
    Maculinea teleius © panthermedia.net / Claus Weisenböhler
  • Maculinea Nausithous
    Maculinea Nausithous © Rosenzweig
  • Coenonympha hero © Kars Veling
  • Boloria eunomia © imageBROKER / Siegfried Kramer

You might also be interested in