The regional government has registered thousands of turtles, parrots, and even rattlesnakes
There are currently 76,618 registered protected animal species in southern Hesse , according to the Darmstadt Regional Council . This figure includes animals kept privately and commercially, as well as those in zoos, wildlife parks, animal shelters, and rescue centers. A total of 18,314 owners and breeders are registered with the Regional Council.
With 42,495 specimens, European tortoises represent by far the largest group of registered animals. Reptiles account for approximately 69 percent of all recorded animals. They are followed by parrots and parakeets at ten percent, amphibians at nine percent, and other bird species at six percent. Birds of prey and owls, fish, and mammals each make up around two percent.
In a regional comparison, the Bergstraße district leads the statistics with 10,212 registered animals. It is followed by the Darmstadt-Dieburg district with 9,940 protected animals. According to the regional council, the vast majority of the animals originate from German or European breeding programs and were not taken from the wild.
Dangerous animal species are also monitored
In addition to protected species, the regional council also monitors the keeping of so-called dangerous animals . A total of 865 animals are currently registered in southern Hesse , the keeping of which is permitted due to legal exceptions or existing grandfathering provisions.
The largest group consists of rattlesnakes, including pygmy rattlesnakes, with 173 specimens. Of these, 65 kept in Frankfurt am Main alone. Next are 168 lancehead vipers, 42 of which in Offenbach . Both snake groups are highly venomous.
The regional council points out that the Hessian dangerous animal regulations serve to minimize risks to public safety while simultaneously ensuring legal species protection.
The Darmstadt Regional Council (RP Darmstadt) is responsible for the registration and monitoring of specially and strictly protected animal species in southern Hesse. Keepers of certain species are required to register their animals and report any additions or removals.
(DARMSTADT – RED/RPDA)
