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Hesse's last white red deer protects superstition: a miracle of nature!
Discover the fascinating history of the white red deer in the Reinhardswald, your genetics, population and the superstition that surrounds you.
Hesse's last white red deer protects superstition: a miracle of nature!
The mysterious world of white red deer in the Reinhardswald, located between Kassel and Hofgeismar, not only fascinates nature lovers, but also harbors an exciting superstition. Around 50 of these rare animals live in the region, descendants of the legendary Hubertushwirsche, which were kept by wealthy nobles in the 16th century. Particularly noteworthy: These special deer come from an intersection of Indian white deer and domestic red deer, such as world.
A famous representative of the White deer is August the strong one, who also bragged about owning such animals in Saxony. Today, the population of the white red deer in the Moritzburg game reserve is experiencing a comeback, as well as in the Sababurg zoo, where visitors have the chance to admire a pack of these unique animals up close.
Cultural heritage and superstition
The superstition that is hunting for these white red deer is particularly interesting. Many hunters are reluctant because they believe that the sacrificing of a white deer brings misfortune. This has caused up to 15 percent of the white red deer to be shot down annually, which means a maximum of 18 animals in the hunting year 2025/2026. Ten white deer were killed by mid-September 2023, but the superstition seems to prevent many hunters from focusing on these special animals, such as https://www.hna.de/lokales/hofgeismar/reinhardshagen-ort101242/forscher-raetsel--hirschen-ist-geloest-8463535.html) reported.
The situation is somewhat different for the scientists at the University of Gießen. They have found that a special gene is responsible for the white coloring and that these deer can remain without human help. There is a remarkable genetic diversity in the region: up to 26 percent of normal deer bear the gene for the white fur. Every year, two deer from a stock of 1000 brown animals is granted the special fate of the white color when both parents have the gene. This makes the population particularly in the Reinhardswald, but the research team warns: a population that is too isolated could endanger the range of generously in the long term.
Cooperation and future of the red deer
The discussion about hunting and protecting the red deer is not new. The German Wildlife Foundation dealt intensively with the ecological functions and the inventory of red deer. Again and again articles and guidelines appear that give recommendations for dealing with these majestic animals. A sustainable hunting and the preservation of the genetic diversity are central topics that affect conservationists and hunters as well as on [Rothirsch.org.
The white red deer in the Reinhardswald therefore stand not only for the fascinating wildlife of Germany, but also for the challenges and opportunities associated with the management of these special animals. It remains to be seen how this elegant species will develop in the coming years and whether the superstition may ultimately block the hunt for these deer.