Bad Hall, Austria, 23 August 2025
The German Delegation of the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) held its Autumn Meeting on 23 August 2025 at Schloss Feyregg (Feyregg Castle) near Bad Hall in Upper Austria. Around one hundred members and guests attended, reflecting the strength of CIC’s German network and its commitment to science-led conservation.
The meeting was opened by Dr. Steffen Koch, Head of the German Delegation, and Mr. Hannes Siege, Deputy Head of Delegation, who welcomed participants to the historic venue. Delegates reviewed several projects financially supported by the German Delegation, including the development of artificial intelligence for Ansprechen von Wild (identification of Red Deer Hinds), designed to improve recognition and monitoring, and an innovative study on the migratory behaviour of Snipe using GPS-tagged birds. These initiatives show how the German Delegation invests in applied science for wildlife conservation.
Membership growth was also celebrated, with 25 new members joining the Delegation. This achievement surpasses the goal of 10% growth and underlines the vitality of the CIC’s German base. The German Delegation of CIC Young Opinion presented an impressive array of activities for those under 35 years of age.
A central topic of the meeting was the rapid expansion of the golden jackal (Canis aureus) in Germany. While the species is not listed as invasive by the European Union, given its native distribution in parts of Southeast Europe, it is spreading largely unchecked across German territory. Delegates highlighted the need for a national management strategy to address the risks this predator poses for small game and biodiversity.
Following the assembly, the delegation visited Schloss Hohenbrunn (Hohenbrunn Castle), where they were received by Herbert Sieghartsleitner, Landesjägermeister (State Hunting Director) of Upper Austria and CIC member. He welcomed the delegation to the Jagdmuseum Schloss Hohenbrunn (Hohenbrunn Hunting Museum), which houses a significant collection on hunting culture and history in addition to being the offices and training centre of the Upper Austrian Hunting Association.
The programme continued with a guided tour of the Stift St. Florian (St. Florian Abbey), one of Upper Austria’s most renowned Baroque monasteries. Delegates explored its grand halls, cloisters, and art treasures, further linking cultural heritage with contemporary conservation dialogue.
The day concluded with a dinner hosted by CIC President Dr. Philipp Harmer and his wife Maria at their home, offering a convivial setting for exchange and reflection on the day’s discussions.
Dr. Philipp Harmer, President of the CIC, commented:
“The Autumn Meeting of our German Delegation demonstrated how CIC uniquely combines science, policy, and culture. By financially supporting forward-looking research and addressing pressing challenges such as the spread of the golden jackal, the Delegation is strengthening CIC’s mission. Maria and I were honoured to welcome our German colleagues to Upper Austria for this important gathering.”
Media Contact
Tristan Breijer MBA FRGS FRSA MCIJ
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
CIC – International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation
Email: tristan.breijer@cic-wildlife.org
Mobile: +44 781 408 7423
Website: www.cic-wildlife.org
