Episode list

The only colony of wild nandus in Europe lives in a small area in northern Germany. There, the ancestors of the ostrich-like birds broke out of an enclosure about 20 years ago. Nandus usually like it rather warm, live in the open pampas and plains of South America and are threatened with extinction there. They are kept in farms in Europe for their feathers, hide and also for the meat. Some specimens escaped from a private enclosure near Lübeck at the turn of the millennium. Since then, nandus have been appearing in neighboring Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.The open landscape is dominated by extensive agricultural steppes. There, the nandus find what they need to survive cold winters: Rape, beets and corn plants from modern industrial agriculture. In some places, the appetite of the large birds is causing crop damage and displeasure among farmers. Conservationists are also sounding the alarm. Young nandus eat endangered insects and lizards. Although strictly protected, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Ministry of the Environment has made the exotic ratites legal hunters. Since then, nandus have been shot.At the same time, the exotic birds are increasingly attracting curious weekend tourists and nature photographers on nandu safaris. They are easy to observe from the roads because they show little shyness. Are nandus a threat to farmers and nature? A biologist follows the running giants and gathers facts to learn more about the potential pest.

The only colony of wild nandus in Europe lives in a small area in northern Germany. There, the ancestors of the ostrich-like birds broke out of an enclosure about 20 years ago. Nandus usually like it rather warm, live in the open pampas and plains of South America and are threatened with extinction there. They are kept in farms in Europe for their feathers, hide and also for the meat. Some specimens escaped from a private enclosure near Lübeck at the turn of the millennium. Since then, nandus have been appearing in neighboring Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.The open landscape is dominated by extensive agricultural steppes. There, the nandus find what they need to survive cold winters: Rape, beets and corn plants from modern industrial agriculture. In some places, the appetite of the large birds is causing crop damage and displeasure among farmers. Conservationists are also sounding the alarm. Young nandus eat endangered insects and lizards. Although strictly protected, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Ministry of the Environment has made the exotic ratites legal hunters. Since then, nandus have been shot.At the same time, the exotic birds are increasingly attracting curious weekend tourists and nature photographers on nandu safaris. They are easy to observe from the roads because they show little shyness. Are nandus a threat to farmers and nature? A biologist follows the running giants and gathers facts to learn more about the potential pest.

Asian collared parakeets are increasingly conquering the cities of Central Europe. The green parrots, about the size of magpies, are conspicuous for their loud squawking and large flocks. They litter streets with droppings and are suspected of damaging trees and stealing the nesting cavities of native bird species. In Cologne, ornithologists want to know more precisely whether the accusations are justified.Because of their pretty appearance, parrots were in great demand in the mid-20th century as caged companions. Quite a few specimens escaped from their owners and conquered city parks. They survived the mild winters and reproduced. Birdwatchers estimate the European population at nearly one hundred thousand parakeets.The European Union considers the alien species as potentially invasive. The parakeets with the strong red beak breed in tree hollows and compete with jackdaws and squirrels for nesting sites. In addition, the flocks of skilled birds often leave bare trees in their search for fruits, nuts and seeds.Residents are annoyed. Every evening, large flocks, calling loudly, gather by the thousands at a central roosting site, where they litter the streets with their droppings. Repeated attempts have been made in vain to drive the pests away.A Cologne ornithologist observes the birds in their environment. He finds that the species has adapted amazingly quickly to the new living conditions, and makes astonishing observations that do not fit at all into the opinion picture of the unloved nuisance bird.