Saproxylic Insects in the Gesäuse National Park

Half of the Gesäuse National Park is covered by forests. In co-operation with Erwin Holzer and Carsten Morkel, we studied saproxylic beetle and Aradidae bug species in the National Park and identified the most important forests sites for biodiversity conservation issues.

Using window traps on 30 sites, we collected 1553 beetles from 231 species (Ø 15-30 species/site). Decidous forests north of the Enns river showed the highest species diversity.
We also found eight aradid bugs and a very rare, saproxylic planthopper. Their presence is dependant upon higher amounts of deadwood.

To further enhance biodiversity, we recommend to leave any dead wood (also after catastrophic events) untouched.

Has the Whinchat enough food to survive in meadows of Northern bavaria?

We studied this question in 2016/2017 by sampling Invertebrates on six meadows and collected more than 147.000 specimens.

The results of this study are summarized hiere:

Otter monitoring in Styria 2017/18

We monitor the Otter population in Styria in co-operation with the University of Graz (Prof. Steven Weiss) by a spraint survey under 650 bridges (same as studied by Andreas Kranz in 2011) and by estimating otter densities with molecular methods within selected study areas.

The main goal of the project is a good estimation of the distribution and population size of the otter in Styria.

Are flower strips useful to facilitate beneficial arthropods in greenhouses?

In 2013 and 2014, the agricultural experimental station in Wies (DI Doris Lengauer) conducted experiments with flower strips in plastic tunnel greenhouses.

The main goal of the study was the development of tailored flower strips at the tunnel margins to facilitate populations of beneficial arthropods as antagonists against aphids, whiteflies, thrips and spider mites.
We studied True Bugs, Hymenoptera, Robber Flies, Hover Flies und Beetles, in co-operation with Esther Ockermüller and Erwin Holzer.
The results are very interesting: The biodiversity increases, both beneficial arthropods and suporters of pest species (e.g. ants) profit from flower strips.

Positive effects prevail, flower strips enhance biodiversity and the presence of beneficial arthropods.

Presentation at the Natural History Museum Vienna

„The Dice Snake in the environ of Graz."

The effects of new hydropower plants and other projects on the population of the Dice Snake (Natrix tessellata) is a controversial issue.
Werner Holzinger tries to summarize the history and presents his conclusions concerning the effectiveness of EU species protection regulatories in the light of these project realisation practices. Date: Friday, Jan 19th, 2018.

EIA for the reconstruction of the S36 motorway

The S36 motorway in Upper Styria will be reconstructed between St. Georgen ob Judenburg and Scheifling. We prepare, in co-operation with Lacon, the ecological issues (plants, animals, habitats) for the Environmental Impact Assessment.

In 2017 and 2018 we survey birds, large mammals, bats, amphibians, reptiles, dragonflies, leaf- and planthoppers, carabid beetles, butterflies, grasshoppers and other taxa.

Later on, we assess the impacts of the new road track and develop, within a large interdisciplinary team of experts, mitigation measures.