© LIwon / Arche Warder
AN ARK FOR DIVERSITY
From the coast to the countryside
Marine conservation begins on land – in the Arche (Ark) Warder just outside the gates of Kiel. Europe's original cultural landscapes are diverse and varied. This is also the result of the impact of humans and farm animals.
Before human utilisation of the landscape, Europe was probably predominantly characterised by dense forests due to a warm period. This wilderness was broken up by the first farmers, initially with a few small islands. Animal grazing changed the forest landscape. Clearances and cattle drives created larger open areas where light-loving plant species were able to colonise. Over the centuries, agricultural utilisation shaped the open and diverse cultural landscapes that we know and appreciate today.
Farm animals have therefore contributed significantly to the diversity of Europe's typical regional landscapes. Breeds have been bred that are particularly well adapted to certain regions and locations. For example, they can cope well with poor forage or difficult climatic and geographical conditions. As a result, each region had its own animal breeds. Breed names such as Heidschnucke, Hinterwälder Rind or Exmoor Pony indicate the importance of these animals for the landscapes. They are part of the cultural heritage.
The preservation of these typical landscapes is not possible without the farm animals: no heathland without Heidschnucken, no mountain pastures without cattle, no dyke without dyke sheep.
The old animal breeds are used in landscape conservation and are also important for nature conservation when grazed in a near-natural way.
The Warder Ark animals are therefore used from the coast to the interior of Schleswig-Holstein on the so-called satellite stations: for example, English park cattle graze a coastal area near Strande to create resting and breeding sites for seabirds by keeping the vegetation short enough for the seabirds to feel safe.
Lisa Iwon
... has been working at Arche Warder since 2008 and is responsible for donation management and marketing/public relations.
Arche Warder is the world's largest zoo for rare and endangered livestock breeds.With a clear scientific concept, Warder Ark plays an important role in the conservation of rare livestock breeds. Around 1,100 animals from currently 94 different breeds live on 40 hectares of parkland with species-appropriate and aesthetically designed facilities and various satellite stations.The Warder Ark is a non-profit organisation and relies on donations. Help at www.arche-warder.de
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