Unconventional Lawn Mowers at Nuremberg Airport
Meet Alma, Rosi, Frieda, Klara, and Helga - the quirky lawn mowers of Albrecht Dürer Airport in Nuremberg. But these aren't your average rotary mower or electric whipper-snipper; they're five Asian water buffaloes!
Origins of the Buffaloes
Barbara (34) and Franz Fleischmann (27), residents of the Nuremberg district of Kraftshof nearby the airport, are the proud owners of these exotic cattle. The idea of introducing these animals to their farm transpired from watching a TV segment about water buffalo farming. Their children christened the youngsters with their unique names.
New Job Description
The buffaloes are now one and a half years old and are currently employed in an unusual capacity. They graze on the Bucher Landgraben, consuming the grass in the early morning and digesting it during the afternoon.
Environmentally Friendly Maintenance at Albrecht Dürer Airport
Airport spokesperson, Jan Beinßen (58), explains that the renaturalized Bucher Landgraben is a flagship biotope and popular destination for cyclists and walkers. Regular efforts to maintain the landscape prove ineffective, as machines can't navigate the uneven and damp area efficiently. This prompted the environmental department to introduce flocks of sheep for maintenance, which works exceptionally well. Now, the department has also brought in the contribution of the water buffalo.
The buffalo are well-suited to wet and damp locations. Thanks to their cloven hooves, they don't erode the soil or sink into the mud, making them perfect for the task at hand. Moreover, water buffaloes are excellent swimmers, providing additional benefits for this unique mowing job.
Utilities and Benefits
A mobile fence safeguards the buffalo as they go about their work. The close-to-nature husbandry clearly pays off, as Barbara attests to their relaxed and calm nature.
When the buffaloes take a well-deserved break, the Fleischmann family plans to introduce a water buffalo bull in 2024, hoping to start a breeding program with the five females.
- The Nuremberg Regional News has highlighted the innovative use of water buffaloes to maintain the grass at Albrecht Dürer Airport, a popular cycling and walking destination.
- Barbara and Franz Fleischmann, the proud owners of the water buffalo herd, hail from Kraftshof, a district located near the airport in Nuremberg.
- To cater to further expansion of their herd, the Fleischmann family plans to introduce a water buffalo bull in 2024 for breeding purposes, as reported in Munich Regional News.
Enrichment Insights:
While the article does not mention it, water buffalo could potentially benefit local ecosystems by promoting biodiversity. They might aid in controlling pests by managing grassland vegetation and water sources, as well as assist in the prevention of overgrazing. Additionally, water buffalo manure can serve as a natural fertilizer, enriching the soil with vital nutrients, helping to cultivate a healthier landscape.
The integration of these gentle giants in maintaining the airport's biotope and promenade not only showcases the unique charm of the region but also exemplifies the potential for utilizing eco-friendly methods for managing natural environments.
