Research project analyses biodiversity change since 1960 - and the consequences for groundwater

The aim of the project is to analyse changes in biodiversity at selected locations in Germany and to make predictions for future developments. The project teams are returning to the exact locations where samples were taken 60 years ago and comparing the current surveys with the historical collection objects and information materials. Among other things, the investigations at the LIB concern the effects of changes in land use on groundwater and ecosystems as well as the quality of the water.

"We want to know how biodiversity has changed over the last six decades, even in habitats that are difficult to access or have been ignored, such as soil, sediment or groundwater, and what impact this has had on ecosystems," explains Nancy Mercado Salas, an expert on crustaceans at the LIB in Hamburg and one of the project leaders. While mammals and birds, for example, are very well researched in this country, hardly anything is known about tiny animals such as threadworms, copepods or flying insects. Yet they play a central role in the cycles of nature - and for groundwater.

With her project team, including doctoral student Fanny Sieler, the scientist is researching floodplains, underground groundwater systems, river beds such as that of the Elbe in Hamburg, and also some places where springs or wells can be found. They will analyse the effects of human activities on biodiversity in groundwater systems. In order to have a good basis for comparison, the team will also take samples from locations that have remained as unchanged as possible.

With all the historical and current data, the project team also wants to develop scenarios for the future - for example: How will biodiversity develop if we carry on as before? Which habitats are particularly at risk? Where can protection be particularly effective?

"We often believe that we know everything about our natural world in Germany - but on closer inspection, we realise that we know shockingly little about those habitats that are hidden," emphasises Nancy Mercado Salas. "Our project can help to close this blind spot - and thus lay the foundations for more effective protection."

The "TrenDiv" project, which will run from spring 2025 to 2028, is funded by the Leibniz Association and combines the expertise of various Leibniz Institutes under the leadership of the Senckenberg Society.