News

A new IGB manual makes knowledge about the construction methods and authorisation requirements for Vertical Wetlands publicly available to interested parties.

From as yet undiscovered biodiversity and resilient forests to the impact of food consumption on nature: 64 experts, including many IGB researchers, have published the "10 Must Knows from Biodiversity Science" for 2024. With the new report, the Leibniz Research Network Biodiversity provides policymakers and society with concrete ways to effectively conserve and sustainably use biodiversity at the local, national, and European levels and thereby also mitigate climate change.

In an EU consultation, IGB researchers emphasise that the practical implementation of the Nitrates Directive has so far been inadequate.

Die Zahl großer Süßwassertiere wie Störe, Riesenwelse, Flussdelfine, Flusspferde, Krokodile oder große Schildkröten ist weltweit stark zurückgegangen, ebenso wie die Größe ihrer Verbreitungsgebiete. Die Ursachen für die Gefährdung dieser Megafauna sind weitgehend bekannt, die Folgen des Verlusts für die Ökosysteme dagegen kaum.

Native fish species in the upper Danube River Basin have been particularly sensitive to changes in flow regimes in the past, while higher temperatures will pose the greatest threat in the future. The threat assessment will remain at least as high in the future. However, it could probably be mitigated by reconnecting former floodplains and improving river connectivity. 

The flood situation in parts of Germany is slowly easing. It can be expected that after some weeks the rivers will have returned to their beds. But how wide is a natural riverbed? Under what conditions does flooding become dangerous for us – and is it also dangerous for nature? How can we better prepare for such extreme events and which measures are beneficial for both people and nature? The current flood events make it clear that we need to rethink flood protection.

The Red List of freshwater fish and lampreys in Germany has been updated for the first time since 2009. It shows a clear negative trend over the last 14 years: 21 species have been classified threatened. This means that more than half of the native species are now considered threatened or already extinct. With 10 per cent of fish species extinct, Germany is well above the European average of 2.5 per cent.

IGB has received more than 200 young European sturgeons, considered extinct in Germany, from INRAE, the French partner institute. It's a Christmas present we're particularly pleased about.