Aquatic Biodiversity in the Anthropocene
Countless organisms live on our planet. However, this biodiversity is threatened by human dominance. In particular, genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity are affected. The main reasons for the rapid decline in biodiversity are climate change, large-scale land-use change, direct exploitation, pollution and the spread of invasive alien species. Freshwater species – from larger animals (“megafauna”), fish, amphibians, invertebrates, macrophytes to a variety of microorganisms (e.g. plankton, bacteria, fungi and viruses) – are particularly affected by these pressures. In this context, aquatic biodiversity contributes to the stability and resilience of ecosystems in the context of global change, and plays a central role in important ecosystem services such as water purification, food supply and recreational opportunities.
In the programme area “Aquatic Biodiversity in the Anthropocene”, IGB engages in research on the drivers and implications of biodiversity loss and on how biodiversity can be conserved. The focus is on lakes, rivers and wetlands in general, including small freshwater habitats such as ponds and streams, as well as feedback mechanisms between aquatic and terrestrial systems.
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September 2024
Science of the Total Environment. - 934(2024), Art. 173188
Tapping into fungal potential: Biodegradation of plastic and rubber by potent Fungi
The presence of plastics in our environment is an increasing burden on nature and our health. The authors have now identified fungi isolated from freshwater ecosystems that can efficiently degrade plastic polymers made of polyurethane, polyethylene and tyre rubber. Contrary to previous assumptions, no pre-treatment of the plastics was necessary.
September 2024
npj Biodiversity. - (2024)3, 28
The European Reference Genome Atlas: piloting a decentralised approach to equitable biodiversity genomics
Researchers from all over Europe have created high-standard reference genomes for 98 species as part of the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) pilot project. This collaboration of scientists from 33 countries is an important milestone on the way to a reference genome database for European animals, plants and fungi.
September 2024
Biological Reviews. - 99(2024)4, 1141-1163
Freshwater megafauna shape ecosystems and facilitate restoration
This is a review, synthesizing how megafauna shape ecological processes in freshwater ecosystems and discussing their potential for enhancing ecosystem restoration. Restoring freshwater megafauna can revive essential ecological processes like disturbances, trophic cascades, and species dispersal, boosting biodiversity and enhancing nature's contributions to people.
September 2024
Nature Communications. - 15(2024), Art. 7449
The global extent and severity of operational interactions between conflicting pinnipeds and fisheries
Conservation efforts have led to the recovery of pinnipeds populations worldwide after decades of intensive hunting and culls. However, this positive development has led to conflicts with fisheries, particularly small-scale fisheries. They are almost three times more likely to come into conflict with seals, sea lions and walruses, and lose four times more of their catch than larger fisheries.
September 2024
People and Nature. - 6(2024)4, 1681-1695
Reintroduced, but not accepted: Stakeholder perceptions of beavers in Germany
The authors conducted a scientific online survey among representatives of the general public, forestry and agriculture to find out their opinions on beavers in Germany. The majority of the general public have a positive view of beavers, while the agricultural and forestry sectors have a much more negative view. There are also regional differences.
