News Archive 2022
all news | only media releases
![Vegetation surveys were taken in a Mediterranean study area. (Picture: Léonard El-Hokayem) Vegetation surveys were taken in a Mediterranean study area. (Picture: Léonard El-Hokayem)](/fileadmin/_processed_/9/f/csm_pic_c22cac3a7b20221214062423_16a5ebdf0b.jpg)
New framework to identify groundwater-dependent vegetation › more
![Outdoor activities such as visiting natural areas, here the Ariège Regional Park in France, play a key role in defining our relationship with nature and how we protect it. (Picture: : Antoine Bel (license CC-BY-4.0)) Outdoor activities such as visiting natural areas, here the Ariège Regional Park in France, play a key role in defining our relationship with nature and how we protect it. (Picture: : Antoine Bel (license CC-BY-4.0))](/fileadmin/_processed_/1/7/csm_pic_8d0c6a462720221212135148_0a4ef17bce.jpg)
Meta-analysis of scientific literature shows decline of interactions with nature due to growing urbanisation, but systematic studies are rare › more
![A group of the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus) in their tidal habitat of the Sundarban mangrove forest in Bangladesh. (Picture: Sandeep Sharma) A group of the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus) in their tidal habitat of the Sundarban mangrove forest in Bangladesh. (Picture: Sandeep Sharma)](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/9/csm_pic_4ccd0dd44820221211102920_272ef50d37.jpg)
Report by Dr. Sandeep Sharma, Researcher of the Biodiversity Conservation research group at iDiv and MLU, and lead author of a new publication in Ecology and Evolution › more
![Citizen scientists at the river Prießnitz near Dresden (Picture: Julia von Gönner) Citizen scientists at the river Prießnitz near Dresden (Picture: Julia von Gönner)](/fileadmin/_processed_/9/f/csm_pic_e49e48a79020221207071624_817a966395.jpg)
Study shows: citizen science can, indeed, be an option to assess the ecological state of smaller streams › more
![](/fileadmin/content/_processed_/d/5/csm_Avenue-of-Baobabs-trees---Digital-Image-_c_-Board-of-Trustees_-RBG-Kew_web_78a6e60c47.jpg)
Major review of the island’s biodiversity reveals urgent need for collaborative science-based conservation › more
![Prof. Walter Rosenthal is University Manager of the Year 2022. (Picture: Jan-Peter Kasper, University of Jena) Prof. Walter Rosenthal is University Manager of the Year 2022. (Picture: Jan-Peter Kasper, University of Jena)](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/e/csm_pic_66f925219420221130110401_848fd9d07c.jpg)
Chair of iDiv’s Board of Trustees named University Manager of the Year › more
![Due to extreme drought events, tree growth may decline, pathogens proliferate and entire tree patches die. (Picture: Henrik Hartmann and Olaf Kolle) Due to extreme drought events, tree growth may decline, pathogens proliferate and entire tree patches die. (Picture: Henrik Hartmann and Olaf Kolle)](/fileadmin/_processed_/a/f/csm_pic_b2c01e059320221129052444_88215bbb98.jpg)
Researchers from Leipzig call for a joint research agenda linking research on climate extremes and biodiversity › more
![A historical collector’s piece in the library of the Haussknecht Herbarium (Picture: Jan-Peter Kasper, University of Jena) A historical collector’s piece in the library of the Haussknecht Herbarium (Picture: Jan-Peter Kasper, University of Jena)](/fileadmin/_processed_/c/6/csm_pic_1b48f5143320221127103553_6d744f080b.jpg)
Jena Senckenberg Institute of Plant Form and Function strengthens collection-based biodiversity research › more
![Ranchers driving livestock in Patagonia (Argentina). (Picture: Sergio Velasco Ayuso.) Ranchers driving livestock in Patagonia (Argentina). (Picture: Sergio Velasco Ayuso.)](/fileadmin/_processed_/9/c/csm_pic_cd8174e83e20221123084208_8e8222bee7.jpg)
Positive effects of grazing can turn to negative under warmer climate › more
![(Picture: Stefan Bernhardt, iDiv) (Picture: Stefan Bernhardt, iDiv)](/fileadmin/_processed_/6/0/csm_pic_c441b032c020221114050924_965c130e4d.jpg)
Seven iDiv members named Highly Cited Researchers › more
![](/fileadmin/content/_processed_/2/7/csm_iNat_sT_web_d520d557b5.jpg)
Report by Dr Corey Callaghan, Assistant Professor at University of Florida, formally postdoctoral researcher at iDiv and Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg › more
![Land-use changes such as deforestation and grassland conversion are not only the main cause of global biodiversity loss, they are also responsible for about a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. (Picture: Adobe Stock) Land-use changes such as deforestation and grassland conversion are not only the main cause of global biodiversity loss, they are also responsible for about a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. (Picture: Adobe Stock)](/fileadmin/_processed_/1/3/csm_pic_b84f11c8e120221108140716_282f24186d.jpg)
Researchers rank drivers of global biodiversity change › more
![<em>NaturaConnect</em> will focus on six case studies to test and refine their approaches and inform local ongoing conservation efforts. One is the Carpathian-Danube region. (Picture: Ante Gugić) <em>NaturaConnect</em> will focus on six case studies to test and refine their approaches and inform local ongoing conservation efforts. One is the Carpathian-Danube region. (Picture: Ante Gugić)](/fileadmin/_processed_/c/d/csm_pic_0a1c1f02ca20221108085606_4c903fd63b.jpg)
International project NaturaConnect brings together the knowledge on how to protect biodiversity in Europe › more
![Light experiment. Photo: Anu Eskelinen Light experiment. Photo: Anu Eskelinen](/fileadmin/content/_processed_/7/5/csm_1_PM_cages_c__Anu_Eskelinen_07e3123991.jpg)
Field experiment shows that competition for light is the key mechanism driving loss of plant diversity under eutrophication and lack of grazing. › more
![Dry sand heathland near Hamburg. Photo: Christiane Buchwald Dry sand heathland near Hamburg. Photo: Christiane Buchwald](/fileadmin/content/_processed_/f/3/csm_Trockene_Sandheide_Christiane_Buchwald_5012162e23.jpg)
Data gathered by habitat mapping programs can make important contributions to biodiversity research. › more
![Silverfish, Photo: Colourbox Silverfish, Photo: Colourbox](/fileadmin/content/_processed_/0/4/csm_Silberfischchen_Colourbox_e9664f6f7c.jpg)
Exact number of silverfish and centipedes still unknown › more
![Bees are exposed to a mixture of pesticides. Uni Halle / Markus Scholz Bees are exposed to a mixture of pesticides. Uni Halle / Markus Scholz](/fileadmin/content/_processed_/f/5/csm_Bienen_Markus_Scholz_5c5672d3bc.jpg)
Insecticides containing flupyradifurone and sulfoxaflor can have devastating effects on honey bee health. › more
![Study area of the NutNet experiment in Jena (Picture: Anne Ebeling) Study area of the NutNet experiment in Jena (Picture: Anne Ebeling)](/fileadmin/_processed_/1/d/csm_pic_8771d4508420221017131637_2048ae81b9.jpg)
Researchers find the processes behind species decline due to nutrient inputs › more
![The results demonstrated the potential of using citizen science data e.g. from iNaturalist to help map plant traits on a global scale. (Picture: Tony Iwane) The results demonstrated the potential of using citizen science data e.g. from iNaturalist to help map plant traits on a global scale. (Picture: Tony Iwane)](/fileadmin/_processed_/9/b/csm_pic_bd6cf5364f20220919140532_4789305f12.jpg)
iNaturalist app users play a significant role in helping researchers create global maps of plant traits › more
![The cornflower or bachelor's button (<em>Centaurea cyanus</em>) has been among the “losers”; its population has declined considerably over the past 100 years. (Picture: A. Künzelmann/UFZ) The cornflower or bachelor's button (<em>Centaurea cyanus</em>) has been among the “losers”; its population has declined considerably over the past 100 years. (Picture: A. Künzelmann/UFZ)](/fileadmin/_processed_/4/5/csm_pic_7b04bedd9920221018100231_980ac7affd.jpg)
Researchers evaluate plant population data between 1927 and 2020 › more
![Black Locust (<em>Robinia pseudocacia</em>) is a tree native to North America that has been introduced in all continents. European empires have played a major role in its introduction and spread. (Picture: Franz Essl) Black Locust (<em>Robinia pseudocacia</em>) is a tree native to North America that has been introduced in all continents. European empires have played a major role in its introduction and spread. (Picture: Franz Essl)](/fileadmin/_processed_/c/0/csm_pic_a4f756e3fa20221011062704_e3e5926460.jpg)
The movement of species around the globe has lasting impacts on biodiversity and human livelihoods far into the future › more
![The soils of this pine forest in Seville were included in the study. (Picture: Manuel Delgado Baquerizo) The soils of this pine forest in Seville were included in the study. (Picture: Manuel Delgado Baquerizo)](/fileadmin/_processed_/7/7/csm_pic_a4d20005b420221010123207_849e8964ba.jpg)
New study published in Nature › more
![iDay group photo (Picture: Stefan Bernhardt/iDiv) iDay group photo (Picture: Stefan Bernhardt/iDiv)](/fileadmin/content/_processed_/9/5/csm_iDay-2022-3074-SBernhardt-iDiv_935a638910.jpg)
On 29 September 2022, the iDiv administrator networking event iDay took place at the iDiv Core Centre and the Botanical Gardens Leipzig. For the third time, the Central Services team invited… › more
![Tropical deforestation causes widespread loss of biodiversity and carbon stocks. (Picture: Amazônia Real from Manaus AM, Brasil, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons) Tropical deforestation causes widespread loss of biodiversity and carbon stocks. (Picture: Amazônia Real from Manaus AM, Brasil, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)](/fileadmin/_processed_/8/4/csm_pic_a3eca8b0b520220930141039_4d8ffb64e0.jpg)
Poorly defined land rights increase deforestation, but private land rights must go hand in hand with strict environmental policies. › more
![Iberian wolf. (Picture: Adobe Stock) Iberian wolf. (Picture: Adobe Stock)](/fileadmin/_processed_/9/0/csm_pic_dac087080020220929094210_1cc8f88eaf.jpg)
Recent expansions mean little more than a stabilisation of the species › more
![](/fileadmin/content/_processed_/c/d/csm_IMG-20220812-WA0001_6fbc2dc1ed.jpg)
At the 37th meeting of the International Society of Chemical Ecology (ISCE) held from 8-12 August 2022 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, our PhD student Jessil Pajar achieved the second place in the… › more
![One of the most impressive examples of woodiness on the Canary Islands is offered by Wildpret's viper's bugloss (<em>Echium wildpretii subsp. Wildpretii)</em>. The species is found exclusively on the high flanks of the Teide volcano on Tenerife. (Picture: One of the most impressive examples of woodiness on the Canary Islands is offered by Wildpret's viper's bugloss (<em>Echium wildpretii subsp. Wildpretii)</em>. The species is found exclusively on the high flanks of the Teide volcano on Tenerife. (Picture: Frederic Lens/ Naturalis Biodiversity Centre in Leiden)](/fileadmin/_processed_/3/b/csm_pic_dfe8dd8ca720220907104601_4a8e5d5b5d.jpg)
Islands act as natural laboratories of evolution › more
![This meadow in Romania is one of the most species-rich regions on earth - in 2009, a research team found 98 plant species here. (Picture: Jürgen Dengler) This meadow in Romania is one of the most species-rich regions on earth - in 2009, a research team found 98 plant species here. (Picture: Jürgen Dengler)](/fileadmin/_processed_/8/f/csm_pic_c850c2f82720220830111441_80e9fd0e91.jpg)
Steppes of Eastern Europe harbour a similar number of plant species as Amazon rainforest regions › more
![A nature conservation ranger of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany, shows his colleague a forest area where he had discovered an illegal fireplace. (Picture: Hanspeter Mayr, Saxon Switzerland National Park) A nature conservation ranger of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany, shows his colleague a forest area where he had discovered an illegal fireplace. (Picture: Hanspeter Mayr, Saxon Switzerland National Park)](/fileadmin/_processed_/b/0/csm_pic_b5a70cdc9c20220815145336_baa90699d3.jpg)
Effectiveness of biodiversity conservation in national parks is associated with socioeconomic conditions › more
![The home screen of LifeGate shows the full diversity of life at a glance. Users can zoom in at any given area until they reach the species level. (Picture: LifeGate by Martin Freiberg) The home screen of LifeGate shows the full diversity of life at a glance. Users can zoom in at any given area until they reach the species level. (Picture: LifeGate by Martin Freiberg)](/fileadmin/_processed_/6/2/csm_pic_f7b994eac620220725133940_618f6a945c.jpg)
New digital map displays full diversity of life through thousands of photos › more
![The following photos show examples of the region investigated in the study as well as animals living there. Here: Central Andean (Yungas) Montane & Upper Montane Humid Forest. (Picture: Pat Comer, NatureServe) The following photos show examples of the region investigated in the study as well as animals living there. Here: Central Andean (Yungas) Montane & Upper Montane Humid Forest. (Picture: Pat Comer, NatureServe)](/fileadmin/_processed_/a/2/csm_pic_0ce304aff120220716130334_f097ee5229.jpg)
New research offers a pathway to achieving the 30 by 30 target using ecosystem diversity across four South American countries › more
![The scientific literature only covers a small part of the species diversity. Insect species, especially those in the species-rich tropical regions, have been very little researched and are hardly considered in biodiversity assessments. (Picture: Alexa Sch The scientific literature only covers a small part of the species diversity. Insect species, especially those in the species-rich tropical regions, have been very little researched and are hardly considered in biodiversity assessments. (Picture: Alexa Schmitz / pixabay)](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/6/csm_pic_49114ffb1020220714081305_6e9e62779d.jpg)
New experts survey considerably extends the global biodiversity knowledge by underrepresented species groups and regions › more
![The grasshopper sparrow (<em>Ammodramus savannarum</em>), a grassland specialist, has not fully adjusted its distribution and abundance to changing climatic conditions. (Picture: Adobe Stock) The grasshopper sparrow (<em>Ammodramus savannarum</em>), a grassland specialist, has not fully adjusted its distribution and abundance to changing climatic conditions. (Picture: Adobe Stock)](/fileadmin/_processed_/6/5/csm_pic_ec43ba7f5a20220714094824_775b63c1de.jpg)
Climate decoupling particularly prominent among habitat specialists › more
![Identification panels help to distinguish the species. (Picture: UFZ) Identification panels help to distinguish the species. (Picture: UFZ)](/fileadmin/_processed_/b/b/csm_pic_f7184a7b8a20220711094707_0b7da23f4e.jpg)
Leipzig citizen science project “VielFalterGarten” promotes insect diversity in the city and invites people to actively participate in the protection of butterflies › more
![The following photos show different types of agricultural land use. Here: Grassland near Melleryd, Sweden. (Picture: Sebastian Lakner) The following photos show different types of agricultural land use. Here: Grassland near Melleryd, Sweden. (Picture: Sebastian Lakner)](/fileadmin/_processed_/5/5/csm_pic_3eb9b9b68e20220629102502_469ffa4d10.jpg)
Over 300 scientists make recommendations on how to improve the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy › more
![First author of the study Dr Will Overholt and senior author Prof Kirsten Küsel taking samples. (Picture: Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena) First author of the study Dr Will Overholt and senior author Prof Kirsten Küsel taking samples. (Picture: Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena)](/fileadmin/_processed_/e/b/csm_pic_621992eb5620220601112736_b5a6d5a401.jpg)
Researchers discover microbes in pitch-dark aquifers as important primary producers › more
![Dr Anton Potapov, head of a new junior research group at iDiv and Leipzig University (Picture: D. Sandmann) Dr Anton Potapov, head of a new junior research group at iDiv and Leipzig University (Picture: D. Sandmann)](/fileadmin/_processed_/b/9/csm_pic_ce1560d9a420220708074409_ca3b00fd03.jpg)
iDiv and Leipzig University get new junior research group: “Soil Biological Diversity and Functions” › more
![Gollum from Lord of the Rings (Picture: Denys Korobov/Pixabay) Gollum from Lord of the Rings (Picture: Denys Korobov/Pixabay)](/fileadmin/_processed_/e/8/csm_pic_911112ee4920220615072250_0b8ae75be6.jpg)
Report by Dr Jose Valdez, Postdoctoral Researcher of the Biodiversity Conservation research group at iDiv and Leipzig University, and senior author of a new publication in Frontiers in Ecology and… › more
![The Jena Experiment, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), started in 2002 and is one of the longest-running biodiversity experiments in Europe. (Picture: Jena Experiment) The Jena Experiment, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), started in 2002 and is one of the longest-running biodiversity experiments in Europe. (Picture: Jena Experiment)](/fileadmin/_processed_/d/a/csm_pic_e29e3a203f20220609131123_cb851a81d4.jpg)
Drought-exposure history improves the recovery of grassland communities from subsequent drought › more
![Prof Dr Dierck Scheel (Picture: Andreas Stedtler) Prof Dr Dierck Scheel (Picture: Andreas Stedtler)](/fileadmin/_processed_/9/4/csm_pic_7d68f6f21a20220708091858_cee3a2506d.jpg)
Former research director of the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biotechnology (IPB) in Halle passed away › more
![Dr Michael Gerth, head of the new Junior Research Group at iDiv and MLU (Picture: Stefan Bernhardt/iDiv) Dr Michael Gerth, head of the new Junior Research Group at iDiv and MLU (Picture: Stefan Bernhardt/iDiv)](/fileadmin/_processed_/6/3/csm_pic_0295654a1620220531101627_acac87f57f.jpg)
Junior Research Group 'Symbiont Evolution' started at iDiv and MLU › more
![The Alpine mountain grasshopper (<em>Miramella alpina</em>) has so far been unaffected by changes in climate and land use. This grasshopper species, which is widespread throughout Europe at higher altitudes, has a stable occurrence in the Bavarian Alps, w The Alpine mountain grasshopper (<em>Miramella alpina</em>) has so far been unaffected by changes in climate and land use. This grasshopper species, which is widespread throughout Europe at higher altitudes, has a stable occurrence in the Bavarian Alps, which has hardly changed in recent decades. (Picture: E. K. Engelhardt / TUM)](/fileadmin/_processed_/7/7/csm_pic_c632cfd5d020220603135556_45331952c8.png)
40 years of conservation data: Researchers show population trends of native insects › more
![Given the almost complete absence of chimpanzee fossils, the genetic information from current populations is crucial for describing their evolutionary history. (Picture: Pixabay) Given the almost complete absence of chimpanzee fossils, the genetic information from current populations is crucial for describing their evolutionary history. (Picture: Pixabay)](/fileadmin/_processed_/1/5/csm_pic_265e07e6b720220525093151_a0a6690e26.jpg)
New genomic tools shed light on the evolutionary history of chimpanzees and contribute to their conservation › more
![Turkey vulture (<em>Cathartes aura</em>) drying under the sunlight in the floodplain <em>várzea forests</em> of Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve (MSDR), Central Amazonia (Picture: Research Group of Felid Ecology and Conservation in A Turkey vulture (<em>Cathartes aura</em>) drying under the sunlight in the floodplain <em>várzea forests</em> of Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve (MSDR), Central Amazonia (Picture: Research Group of Felid Ecology and Conservation in Amazonia, Mamirauá Institute for Sustainable Development (www.mamiraua.org))](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/a/csm_pic_8b90852be320220531145341_cf7952a6ac.jpg)
Large-scale use of camera trap data can help improve wildlife conservation › more
![Older siblings may reduce the likelihood that their younger brothers or sisters develop behavioural problems. (Picture: Federica Amici) Older siblings may reduce the likelihood that their younger brothers or sisters develop behavioural problems. (Picture: Federica Amici)](/fileadmin/_processed_/a/4/csm_pic_1c85a82ae020220530155432_053803321d.jpg)
If expectant mothers are exposed to stress their child can develop behavioural problems - but less often with siblings › more
![Gardening can make an important contribution to the population development of plant species. The grape hyacinth (<em>Muscari botryoides</em>) is listed as "vulnerable" on the German Red List, but is often used as an ornamental and has increased its popula Gardening can make an important contribution to the population development of plant species. The grape hyacinth (<em>Muscari botryoides</em>) is listed as "vulnerable" on the German Red List, but is often used as an ornamental and has increased its population by 65 percent in recent decades. (Picture: Wikimedia Commons)](/fileadmin/_processed_/e/d/csm_pic_9fc9fb6d5b20220518073814_62854808a2.jpg)
Researchers recommend urban conservation gardening measures to reverse horticultural trends › more
![Prof Schücking during the laudation. (Picture: Stefan Bernhardt/iDiv) Prof Schücking during the laudation. (Picture: Stefan Bernhardt/iDiv)](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/f/csm_pic_345eb327c320220517151254_0033669ca0.jpg)
Role of the former Rector of Leipzig University for iDiv acknowledged › more
![Earthworms stimulate microorganisms to produce more stabilised carbon in the soil. (Picture: A. Murray) Earthworms stimulate microorganisms to produce more stabilised carbon in the soil. (Picture: A. Murray)](/fileadmin/_processed_/7/1/csm_pic_e12f2699c920220511073445_0eff33ceda.jpg)
Novel concept helps managing soils as a carbon sink › more
![Doctoral researchers of the Research Training Group during fieldwork in the BEF-China experiment. (Picture: Rémy Beugnon) Doctoral researchers of the Research Training Group during fieldwork in the BEF-China experiment. (Picture: Rémy Beugnon)](/fileadmin/_processed_/d/e/csm_pic_d5181add9620220509102150_cfba8e92c4.jpg)
DFG extends funding for the international research training group TreeDì › more
![The large, woody fruits of the <em>Manicaria saccifera</em> palm that depend on large animals for their dispersal. (Picture: John Dransfield, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) The large, woody fruits of the <em>Manicaria saccifera</em> palm that depend on large animals for their dispersal. (Picture: John Dransfield, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)](/fileadmin/_processed_/e/c/csm_pic_8b8040c90e20220427161603_aeba9f0918.jpg)
Effects of missing large herbivores on food plants still detectable today › more
![Geographic distribution of threatened reptiles. Reptile species are considered threatened if ranked as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered by The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. Species richness refers to the number of different s Geographic distribution of threatened reptiles. Reptile species are considered threatened if ranked as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered by The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. Species richness refers to the number of different species that occur in an area. Warmer (redder) colors denote a larger number of threatened reptile species. (Picture: Cox, N. and Young, B. E., et al. Global reptile assessment shows commonality of tetrapod conservation needs. Nature (2022))](/fileadmin/_processed_/5/2/csm_pic_c3ac96057420220427135407_9abcfbe7a7.jpg)
Reptiles likely benefit from efforts to save other animals › more
![Nature observations by citizen scientists. (Picture: Detlef Metzer) Nature observations by citizen scientists. (Picture: Detlef Metzer)](/fileadmin/_processed_/4/2/csm_pic_068bdaa1ce20220426092655_1ea1c9982a.jpg)
Presentation of the Strategy and Citizen Science Festival on 29 April in Berlin › more
![<em>Caddisfly larva</em> (Picture: Julia von Gönner) <em>Caddisfly larva</em> (Picture: Julia von Gönner)](/fileadmin/_processed_/a/4/csm_pic_1c3905829f20220412165927_e653dc76d4.jpg)
Nationwide measurement campaign of the citizen science project FLOW starts › more
![From left: Prof Dr Beate A. Schücking, Rector of the University of Leipzig (until March 2022); Burkhard Jung, Mayor of the City of Leipzig; Prof Dr Christian Wirth , award winner; Prof Dr Eva Inés Obergfell, Rector of the University of Leipzig From left: Prof Dr Beate A. Schücking, Rector of the University of Leipzig (until March 2022); Burkhard Jung, Mayor of the City of Leipzig; Prof Dr Christian Wirth , award winner; Prof Dr Eva Inés Obergfell, Rector of the University of Leipzig; Prof Dr Hans Wiesmeth, President of the Saxon Academy of Sciences at Leipzig (Picture: Swen Reichhold, Bild: SAW)](/fileadmin/_processed_/d/8/csm_pic_43a258a5f520220409213948_947d48bd12.jpg)
iDiv delighted at award for founding director › more
![Common Brimstone (<em>Gonepteryx rhamni</em>) (Picture: BIOCON/iDiv) Common Brimstone (<em>Gonepteryx rhamni</em>) (Picture: BIOCON/iDiv)](/fileadmin/_processed_/b/b/csm_pic_edb7c61aec20220329131636_725470b000.jpg)
Based on a press release by the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) National biodiversity monitoring programmes in Europe face many challenges: too little coordination, inadequate… › more
![Earthworms are considered essential ecosystem engineers underground. Researchers from iDiv and Leipzig University have now shown that they also play a major role in shaping aboveground communities. (Picture: V. Gutekunst) Earthworms are considered essential ecosystem engineers underground. Researchers from iDiv and Leipzig University have now shown that they also play a major role in shaping aboveground communities. (Picture: V. Gutekunst)](/fileadmin/_processed_/9/f/csm_pic_f1cc4e7e0520220325105940_e70942a461.jpg)
Researchers recommend taking underappreciated factors for biodiversity loss into account › more
![The Leipzig Botanical Garden is one of the institutions that invite interested persons to actively join the citizen science project Pflanze KlimaKultur! (Picture: Christian Hüller) The Leipzig Botanical Garden is one of the institutions that invite interested persons to actively join the citizen science project Pflanze KlimaKultur! (Picture: Christian Hüller)](/fileadmin/_processed_/5/4/csm_pic_9bb43a635320220311102942_4c7a5f6737.jpg)
Botanical gardens invite citizens to explore the effects of climate change on plants › more
![](/fileadmin/content/_processed_/e/a/csm_title_3ce99147d5.png)
For decades, scientists have known where the highest numbers of species that live aboveground are found. So, they made maps of the world showing these patterns. For most of the aboveground groups,… › more
![](/fileadmin/content/_processed_/e/a/csm_title_3ce99147d5.png)
Seit Jahrzehnten wissen Wissenschaftler:innen, wo die meisten oberirdisch lebenden Tier- und Pflanzenarten zu finden sind. Sie haben daher Weltkarten erstellt, die diese sogenannten… › more
![Different groups of insects, e.g., beetles and butterflies, may show similar abundance trends in one place, but dissimilar trends in other places. The photo shows a longhorn beetle (<em>Leptura quadrifasciata</em>) and a map (<em>Araschnia levana</em>). ( Different groups of insects, e.g., beetles and butterflies, may show similar abundance trends in one place, but dissimilar trends in other places. The photo shows a longhorn beetle (<em>Leptura quadrifasciata</em>) and a map (<em>Araschnia levana</em>). (Picture: Oliver Thier)](/fileadmin/_processed_/b/5/csm_pic_8a01eacd4820220222115559_dce77bfd18.jpg)
Only weak trend correlations between different insect groups › more
![Collage of plant species that are range-restricted to Europe but threatened in at least one country, with some of them being globally threatened. (Picture: Vlaev, Dimiter in Peev, D. et al. (eds) (2015): Red Data Book of the Republic of Bulgaria. Vol. 1. Collage of plant species that are range-restricted to Europe but threatened in at least one country, with some of them being globally threatened. (Picture: Vlaev, Dimiter in Peev, D. et al. (eds) (2015): Red Data Book of the Republic of Bulgaria. Vol. 1. Plants and Fungi. MoEW & BAS, Sofia [Single inset drawings; compiled by Staude, I.]. http://e-ecodb.bas.bg/rdb/en/)](/fileadmin/_processed_/3/a/csm_pic_f98b3b0e6520220210143620_7ab832576e.jpg)
Study closes gaps in the risk of extinction of plant species › more
![Identical twins are jumping from rocks in a forest on hiking in Slovenia. (Picture: _jure / Adobe Photo Stock) Identical twins are jumping from rocks in a forest on hiking in Slovenia. (Picture: _jure / Adobe Photo Stock)](/fileadmin/_processed_/d/3/csm_pic_1112e8391b20220203083457_a50de5d797.jpg)
Identical twins’ nature experiences more similar than fraternal twins but local environment also key › more
![The "cry for help" has been demonstrated for the first time in the natural habitat - in the canopy of the Leipzig floodplain forest. (Picture: Steffen Schellhorn) The "cry for help" has been demonstrated for the first time in the natural habitat - in the canopy of the Leipzig floodplain forest. (Picture: Steffen Schellhorn)](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/4/csm_pic_75c471fe7a20220118074455_b87d7f75a5.jpg)
Chemical "cry for help" from trees verified in a natural habitat for the first time › more
![The model area Oder Delta (Picture: Solvin Zankl / Rewilding Europe) The model area Oder Delta (Picture: Solvin Zankl / Rewilding Europe)](/fileadmin/_processed_/e/8/csm_pic_bec848bb3920220111143118_774e3f470b.jpg)
BMBF research project starts in the Oder Delta model area › more
![(Picture: A. Tille) (Picture: A. Tille)](/fileadmin/_processed_/c/8/csm_pic_0e993e034e20220114083815_5182fe38cb.jpg)
Environment ministers from Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia and Saxony discuss regional biodiversity protection measures › more
![Water ecosystems provide diverse material or immaterial benefits to the people (Picture: Pixabay) Water ecosystems provide diverse material or immaterial benefits to the people (Picture: Pixabay)](/fileadmin/_processed_/9/d/csm_pic_5f1bbc28f920220103140755_c2a5fcd8c3.jpg)
Report by María Felipe-Lucia, Senior Scientist at German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) and Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) › more