Biodiversity
Although freshwaters cover less than one per cent of the earth’s surface, they are some of the most species-rich habitats on our planet – so far at any rate. After all, rivers and lakes are experiencing a rapid decline in biological diversity. And yet it is still unclear what this loss means for our well-being in the long term. One important objective of our research is therefore to identify measures that enable us to protect the biodiversity of our freshwaters as effectively as possible. We investigate the causes, draw up forecasts relating to changes, and pool our expertise in biodiversity research and in knowledge-based environmental protection. Collaborating with international partners, we also collect global data on biodiversity in freshwaters, creating a unique foundation to ensure their protection.
Related News
Selected publications
One-quarter of freshwater fauna threatened with extinction
The largest global assessment of freshwater animals on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species to date has revealed that 24 per cent of the world’s freshwater fish, dragonfly, damselfly, crab, crayfish and shrimp species are at high risk of extinction.
A conceptual classification scheme of invasion science
Combining expert knowledge with literature analysis, this study developed a conceptual classification scheme of invasion science that allows to organize publications and data sets, guide future research, and identify knowledge gaps. The scheme features 5 major themes of invasion science that are divided into 10 broader research questions and linked to 39 major hypotheses of the field.
Rapid growth and the evolution of complete metamorphosis in insects
Insects undergo complete metamorphosis, rebuilding their bodies, such as the transition from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. The authors wondered why this extreme lifestyle might have evolved. Combining growth data and mathematical modelling, they found that insects grow much faster if they can grow and build the adult body in two separate stages, rather than doing both continuously.
Differential survival and feeding rates of three commonly traded gastropods across salinities
This study investigates the establishment and impact risks posed by three readily available, traded snail species – Melanoides tuberculata, Tarebia granifera and Anentome helena – by assessing their survival and feeding responses across a spectrum of salinity levels.
The frequent five: Insights from interviews with urban wildlife professionals in Germany
The authors interviewed 36 urban wildlife professionals in 4 large cities in Germany. Red foxes, wild boars, raccoons, stone martens and Eurasian beavers were the five mammal species most frequently highlighted in interviews to cause human-wildlife conflicts. The interviewees emphasized the need to create refuges for beavers and better inform the public about foxes.
