Biodiversity - Study: Biodiversity in Berlin decreased
Numerous species have disappeared from Berlin over the past few decades. According to a study by the Natural History Museum, there are currently over 1,400 fewer species in Berlin than at the end of the 17th century. In total, biodiversity has decreased by around 16 percent. According to the first author, Silvia Keinath, losses have occurred primarily among algae and plants.
The research team, led by Keinath, evaluated 37 Red Lists of endangered plants, animals, and fungi in the state of Berlin. In total, approximately 9,500 species were listed there, including mollusks, fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, algae, fungi, lichens, and plants.
Cities offer relatively little habitat
The researchers attribute the decline primarily to the increasing growth of the city. Cities offer relatively little habitat and are extremely adapted to humans. The likelihood of species loss is therefore higher in urban areas than in rural areas.
According to the study, none of the extinct species from Berlin are extinct worldwide. Therefore, it is possible that some of them could settle again in the capital. In addition, new species are arriving. According to the study, almost 450 non-native species settled in Berlin during the research period. "Some are invasive like the raccoon, which negatively influences the local ecosystem," said Keinath. However, not all newly occurring species have an inherently negative impact on the Berlin ecosystem.
The authors note that the calculated decline of 16 percent is based only on official records. It cannot be ruled out that more species have disappeared that were never recorded. In addition, the Red Lists were mainly based on the experience of a few experts, mostly citizens who participated in scientific projects.
The study also highlighted that the Natural History Museum in Berlin has a vast collection of natural history, showcasing various plant species from different eras. Unfortunately, the level of biodiversity within Berlin's urban environment, as demonstrated by the museum's records, has significantly decreased by 16%.
Despite the urban environment's challenges for plant life, there are efforts to encourage green spaces and biodiversity within cities. For instance, the city of Berlin has implemented initiatives to plant more trees and create natural habitats, aiming to increase biodiversity and create a more balanced environment for plants.
Visitors to the Natural History Museum in Berlin can learn about the importance of biodiversity and the efforts being made to preserve it, with a special focus on the city's native plant species and their history within Berlin's environment.
