WWF documents disappearance of three grasshopper species along the Tyrolean Inn

Until about 50 years ago, the three grasshopper species had still been widespread in the Inn catchment area, the WWF reported. The survey was initiated as part of the "INNsieme connect" project. The results show a dramatic decline in populations along the Tyrolean Inn.

Drastic decline since the 1970s

"An der Ötztaler Ache entscheidet sich, ob diese seltenen Wildflussarten in Tirol überleben", explained the deputy project leader Marianne Götsch of the WWF project "INNsieme connect". Further river engineering and water diversions would increasingly put the remaining habitats under pressure.

Götsch warned: "Jede weitere Verbauung und Wasserableitung bringt ihre letzten Lebensräume stärker unter Druck". According to the WWF, the Ötztaler Ache is considered one of the last near-natural wild rivers in Tyrol and thus a key retreat for the highly specialized grasshopper species.

According to the WWF, the three affected species are adapted to the extreme conditions of dynamic wild rivers. They colonize gravel banks, shingle areas and open riparian zones that are continually recreated by regular floods. Changes in water regimes caused by power plants, bank reinforcements and water withdrawals have drastically reduced these habitats in recent decades.

Call for protection of the Ötztaler Ache

The WWF is therefore calling for the protection of the Ötztaler Ache and its dynamic river landscape. Specifically, the environmental organization demands that no further river engineering works and water diversions be approved in this sensitive section. In addition, existing impairments should be reviewed in the interest of species conservation.

The WWF also sees a need for action in the Ötztal Nature Park. Targeted conservation measures there could help stabilize the remaining populations. These include, for example, renaturation of riparian zones and adapted management of water use in the region.

Significance beyond species conservation

With the publication of the results, the WWF aims to spark a broader debate on the condition of Tyrol's rivers. The organization pointed out that the Inn and its tributaries are of great importance for biodiversity in the Alps. The disappearance of the grasshopper species is a warning signal for the state of entire ecosystems.

Deputy project leader Götsch emphasized that the preservation of the Ötztaler Ache has significance beyond species conservation. Wild rivers are also important for flood protection, groundwater formation and recreation in the region. Comprehensive protection of the watercourse is therefore in the interest of the entire region.

The WWF announced that it would also discuss the survey results with authorities and political decision-makers in Tyrol. The aim is to strengthen the legal basis for the protection of the Ötztaler Ache and to secure it in the long term. The organization did not initially name a specific timeframe for political steps.