Autobahn GmbH, which is responsible for the construction of the Riederwald tunnel in Frankfurt, cannot yet say how large the population of the strictly protected long-horned beetle is in the Fechenheim forest.
Although the first inspections by an expert office had taken place, more were needed "in order to obtain a reliable data basis for the subsequent expert opinion".
Mechthild Harting
Editor in the Rhein-Main-Zeitung.
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The "Bild" newspaper had reported that, according to their information, "43 possible trees" were populated by this beetle species, which prefers to live on oaks.
21 of these trees should not be felled so that "possible beetles could be resettled" later.
In the next few weeks, by the end of February at the latest, when the clearing season according to the Federal Nature Conservation Act ends for this winter, Autobahn GmbH is planning to cut down an area of 2.7 hectares of forest for the construction of the Riederwald tunnel, which has been planned for years, in order to finally push the project forward.
Part of the area will initially also be used for construction site facilities.
No clearing until the open questions have been clarified
"We cannot confirm the statements in the newspaper article mentioned," said Autobahn GmbH on request.
It can also be learned from those close to the higher nature conservation authority that the determination of the occurrence of the long-horned beetle has not yet been completed.
The Autobahn GmbH has reportedly let the authorities know that it will not carry out any clearing until the nature conservation issues relating to the occurrence of the long-horned beetle have been clarified.
If Autobahn GmbH wanted to cut down trees on which the long-horned beetle currently lives - it usually lives under the bark - the company would have to apply for a permit from the responsible higher nature conservation authority, which is based at the Darmstadt regional council.
Population can be secured by resettlement
The long-horned beetle or long-horned beetle is a strictly protected species as it has been threatened with extinction in recent decades.
But as a result of climate change, the beetle, which lives on old and damaged oaks, is now often found in the Rhine-Main area, preferring specimens that get a lot of sunlight.
The nature conservation authorities are therefore now used to securing the populations through resettlement.
Therefore, recently it has rarely been the case that a construction project was fundamentally stopped because of a beetle occurrence.
There were just occasional delays.
The Autobahn GmbH is confident that it will be able to carry out the planned clearing "in the time available".
What is meant is the time limit for felling until the end of February, which applies with a view to bird protection.