Links

Academy for Nature and Environmental Protection Baden-Württemberg

Today, the State Network for Biodiversity Protection, developed in cooperation with the nature conservation administration, includes over 700 volunteer Species Conservation consultants. The common goal is to foster a better understanding of endangered animal species among the general public. In response to public inquiries, the nature conservation authorities establish contact with the nearest, responsible species conservation consultant. There are consultants for hornets, wasps, bats, amphibians, reptiles, and beavers.

Bunte Wiese Stuttgart

We, the Bunte Wiese Stuttgart initiative, were founded in 2019 by students from the University of Hohenheim. Together with the University of Hohenheim and the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart, we aim to preserve the diversity of native insects. We are supported by Prof. Lars Krogmann from the Department of Systematic Entomology, Prof. Johannes Steidle from Chemical Ecology, Prof. Frank Schurr from Landscape Ecology and Vegetation Science, Prof. Martin Hasselmann from the Institute of Population Genomics in Livestock, and Dr. Helmut Dalitz from the Hohenheim Gardens.

Competence Center for Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy

"…The Earth is our home. We must preserve life on it if we are not to put ourselves in danger by destroying the home we evolved in and on which we completely depend.” – E.O. Wilson, Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge (1999) The extinction of species, particularly the decline of insects, is one of the major challenges of the 21st century. The loss of biodiversity affects plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, and their absence threatens the functioning of ecosystems, along with essential services they provide to humans.

Natural History Museum Stuttgart

The ongoing extinction of species presents one of humanity's greatest challenges in the 21st century. To combat this, endangered species must be identified, and their roles within ecosystems must be understood. However, across Germany, only a few individuals possess in-depth knowledge of species and are capable of reliably identifying rare species of animals, plants, and fungi. Recognizing this need, the state of Baden-Württemberg launched the State Competence Initiative on Integrative Taxonomy. The initiative’s central hub, the Competence Center for Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy (KomBioTa), has now begun its work.

Ecological Campus Project

More insect meadows in Hohenheim: The University of Hohenheim campus is considered the most biodiverse in the state, thanks largely to the extensive Hohenheim Gardens, which are maintained with infrequent mowing. However, the neatly manicured lawns around the buildings have historically contrasted with this approach. These lawns are not exactly insect-friendly—and do not align with the message researchers at the University of Hohenheim wish to convey to society, especially given the dramatic loss of biodiversity. After years of dialogue with the State Office for Assets and Construction, the Ecological Campus Working Group has made significant progress this year.

University of Hohenheim Original Podcast

Podcast Episode #19: Biodiversity on Your Doorstep! Bunte Wiese Stuttgart and University of Hohenheim.