Species protection - Demolition and renovation of buildings

According to the Federal Nature Conservation Act, it is prohibited to pursue, catch, injure or kill wild animals of the specially protected species. Reproduction or resting places of wild animals of these species may not be damaged or destroyed.

Existing buildings are frequently used by protected species:

• Bats: summer and winter roosts in attics and basements.
• Swallows' nests
• nests of birds on, in and around roofs, towers and chimneys
• Hornets' nests

Permanent sites, such as winter roosts of bats, swallow nests or breeding cavities, are protected even if the animals are temporarily absent. Sites that are used once for breeding, such as songbird or hornet nests, are only protected for the duration of their use and can be removed afterwards.

The lower nature conservation authority checks in individual cases whether species protection prohibitions apply and decides on the possibility of an exemption.

Anyone who disregards bans under species protection law commits an administrative offence. This can be punished with a fine.

• Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG)