Biodiversity project; strengthening biodiversity projects from legacy funds.

A bee approaching a flower
Project data  
Project leader: Prof. Prof. h. c. Dr. Ursula Siebert
Chief scientist: Dr. Armin Blöchl
Project term: 01.04.2022-31.12.2024
Sponsoring: Präsidum der Stiftung der Tierärztlichen Hochschule Hannover

The decline in insect biodiversity with negative consequences for food webs and the loss of ecosystem services is currently dramatic. The causes of the decline in insect diversity are manifold, the qualitative deterioration of their habitats, whether on land or in water, light pollution, habitat loss, competition from invasive species and environmental toxins are just some of the factors. As part of this pilot project, flowering areas and nesting aids for insects are being created on the grounds of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation. The results of a species inventory serve as the basis for targeted measures to improve the habitat. The optimizations, e.g. the creation of flowering areas with regional wildflowers, deadwood areas and insect nesting aids, are only the first steps.
Through these measures to promote key species groups, such as wild bees and butterflies, other groups of organisms can also be promoted through deadweight effects due to the improved structural offer, in order to achieve a sustainable optimization of the entire TiHo site.
Further steps are planned as part of the project, which will be scientifically supported by Bachelor's and Master's theses. The TiHo grounds, which are near-natural in many areas, already provide important habitats for numerous rare animals and plants in the urban environment. These habitats are to be recorded in detail, protected and optimized. Other planned measures include improving the ecological condition of the Bünte pond in the park, creating an interactive insect trail and an exhibition with measures to promote biodiversity in urban areas.

Contact person

University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation
Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research
Bischofsholer Damm 15
30173 Hannover 

 

Dr. Armin Blöchl
Tel.: +49 511 953-8890
E-Mail