On March 19, 2025, a decisive step was taken toward preserving one of the rarest mammal species in Europe and the world: Alpenzoo Innsbruck-Tyrol and the State Bird Protection Agency in Garmisch-Partenkirchen at the Bavarian Environment Agency (LfU) officially launched the conservation project to save the Bavarian Pine Vole (Microtus bavaricus) . At a ceremonial kick-off event, the partner institutions signed the agreement for this cross-border initiative dedicated to protecting this critically endangered vole species.
The Bavarian Pine Vole was first discovered in 1962 near Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Bavaria, Germany). Considered extinct after decades of absence, it was rediscovered in Mittenwald in 2023 by the Bird Protection Agency Garmisch-Partenkirchen at the Bavarian Environment Agency. Until then, the only known population occurred in North Tyrol (Austria), near the Alpenzoo. With an extremely limited range and very small population, the species is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the Austrian Red List and as Extinct / Lost on the German Red List.
The EUREGIO-Region Zugspitze-Wetterstein-Karwendel is a key habitat for the species and plays a central role in the new protection program. Among other goals, the project aims to establish a conservation center at Alpenzoo Innsbruck-Tyrol to ensure the long-term survival of endangered small mammals and other alpine species. The project is funded 75% by the Interreg Bavaria–Austria program and supported with additional resources from Alpenzoo.
Funded 75% by the EU’s Interreg Bavaria-Austria 2021–2027 program, with additional support from the Alpenzoo, the project’s measures to protect the Bavarian Pine Vole include:
• monitoring of populations in Tyrol (Austria) and Bavaria (Germany),
• conservation of the species and preservation and management of its habitats, and
• public awareness campaigns and environmental education about this unique Alpine species.
The project also contributes to establishing an IUCN Centre for Species Survival at the Alpenzoo to ensure long-term preservation of endangered small mammals and Alpine species. This aspect is implemented in collaboration with the IUCN SSC Small Mammal Specialist Group.
The Alpenzoo and the Bavarian Environment Agency are jointly committed to preserving this rare species. Dr. André Stadler, Director of the Alpenzoo, emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation: “This project is a prime example of species and habitat conservation across borders. Together, we can save an endangered species that hardly anyone knows about—but is a vital part of our Alpine biodiversity.”
Sabrina Blandau, Managing Director of EUREGIO Zugspitze-Wetterstein-Karwendel, added: “We are proud to support this unique project through the Interreg program. It’s a meaningful way to contribute to species and nature conservation in the European Alps.” This agreement signals a hopeful future for the Bavarian Pine Vole and a stronger commitment to biodiversity conservation in Europe’s Alpine region.
See also: Conservation projects at Alpenzoo
Günther Platter, President of the Alpenzoo Innsbruck-Tirol Association
Dr. Nora Weyer, Conservation Coordinator at Alpenzoo Innsbruck-Tyrol
Simon Damerow, Regional Management of EZWK Innsbruck-Land
Sabrina Blandau, CEO of EUREGIO Zugspitze–Wetterstein–Karwendel (EZWK)
Dr. André Stadler, Director of Alpenzoo Innsbruck-Tyrol
Dr. Simon Ripperger, Scientific Expert, Bavarian Environment Agency
Pictures: Alpenzoo / T. Steinlechner
