Superstition protects Hesse's last white red deer: a miracle of nature!

Superstition protects Hesse's last white red deer: 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 exciting superstitions. Around 50 of these rare animals live in the region, descendants of the legendary Hubertus deer that were kept by wealthy nobles in the 16th century. Particularly noteworthy: These special deer come from a cross between Indian white deer and domestic red deer, as [Welt](https://www.welt.de/reise/article68d530eea96bd7149d84b757/Hessen-Ein-Aber Glaube-schuetzt-Deutschlands-lesen-weisse-Rothirsche.html) reports.

A famous representative of white deer is August the Strong, who also boasted of owning such animals in Saxony. Today, the white red deer population is experiencing a comeback in the Moritzburg game reserve, 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 superstitions

The superstition surrounding the hunting of these white red deer is particularly interesting. Many hunters are reluctant because they believe that killing a white deer brings bad luck. This has led to up to 15 percent of white red deer being allowed to be shot annually, which means a maximum of 18 animals in the 2025/2026 hunting year. Ten white deer had been shot by mid-September 2023, but superstition seems to prevent many hunters from aiming their rifle at these special animals, as HNA reports.

For the scientists at the University of Giessen, the situation is somewhat different. They have discovered that a special gene is responsible for the white color and that these deer can survive without human help. There is remarkable genetic diversity in the region: up to 26 percent of normal deer carry the gene for white fur. Every year, two deer from a population of 1,000 brown animals are granted the special fate of being white if both parents have the gene. This makes the population in the Reinhardswald special, but the research team warns: a population that is too isolated could endanger genetic diversity in the long term.

Cooperation and the future of the red deer

The discussion about hunting and protecting red deer is not new. The German Wildlife Foundation has worked intensively on the ecological functions and inventory of red deer. Articles and guidelines appear again and again that give recommendations for dealing with these majestic animals. Sustainable hunting and the preservation of genetic diversity are central issues that concern conservationists and hunters alike, as can be found on rothirsch.org.

The white red deer in the Reinhardswald not only represent Germany's fascinating wildlife, but also 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 superstition may ultimately prevent hunting of these deer.