Monitoring to promote biodiversity
Biodiversity monitoring on the university campus
In order to assess the long-term impact of measures to promote biodiversity at the University of Graz, more than just a snapshot is required: a well-designed, ongoing monitoring programme is needed. This provides a precise picture of how biodiversity is developing on the University’s green spaces or renaturalised areas. Both botanical and zoological life forms are recorded. This is necessary for a holistic view of our native biodiversity.
However, monitoring is far more than ‘just’ data collection: it forms an important link between research, teaching and practice. After all, where better to embed ecological knowledge than directly within university education? This is precisely where the University of Graz comes in.
Students from the Institute of Biology are actively involved in the monitoring process. As part of selected courses in the summer semester, Bachelor’s and Master’s students can carry out surveys themselves under expert supervision. In doing so, they observe, document and analyse biodiversity as well as changes in the structure and composition of habitats directly on the university’s own grounds.
The aim is to enable students to engage in practical learning under real-world conditions and to carry out sound scientific work, whilst at the same time making a valuable contribution to research. This is because the data collected annually is incorporated into the further development of measures and creates a robust basis for scientific analysis and potential publications. Over the years, this results in a valuable collection of data that can be used to analyse the effects of a wide variety of ecological interventions, such as greening, de-sealing or the creation of new habitats.
In the long term, this monitoring makes a decisive contribution to the implementation of the University of Graz’s biodiversity strategy. It helps to identify ecological changes, assess the effectiveness of measures and discover new potential for even greater biodiversity. At the same time, it promotes an ecological understanding among all those involved and makes the University of Graz a place where nature conservation is not only taught, but actively practised and shaped. A place where science, nature and commitment go hand in hand.
iNaturalist – Citizen Science
iNaturalist is a global citizen science platform where users can photograph plants, animals and fungi and have them identified. On the University of Graz campus, anyone interested can actively contribute to recording local biodiversity. Every observation helps to gain a better understanding of local biodiversity. Would you like to contribute to the survey of biodiversity on the University of Graz campus? Then join iNaturalist, share your observations and support research simply using your smartphone. Every discovery counts!
The 5 most powerful trees
Here you can find the mightiest trees on the university campus. The five majestic giant trees on the university campus not only define its appearance, but also its biodiversity and microclimate. Each tree tells its own story, serves as a habitat for numerous organisms and stands as a silent witness to past decades. These natural monuments invite you to experience first-hand the connection between the city, research and ecology on campus.
Tree Register 2023
Here you will find a list of all the trees on the university campus. The University of Graz’s tree register documents over 600 trees on campus and provides an insight into their biodiversity, size and ecological value. The project highlights how green infrastructure contributes to biodiversity and quality of life.