Red alert: drought threatens biodiversity in the Ferbitzer Bruch!

Red alert: drought threatens biodiversity in the Ferbitzer Bruch!

The Ferbitzer Bruch, a characteristic nature reserve in the heart of Brandenburg, is under immense pressure. The ongoing drought and the effects of climate change endanger not only local animal and plant species, but also the fragile balance of the entire region. The area was placed under protection back in 1996 due to its biodiversity and has since offered an essential biogenic habitat.

The impressive area of ​​around 1,150 hectares, which stretches between Priort and Potsdam, is home to numerous plants and animals, including endangered species such as the moor frog and the fire-bellied toad. However, experts from the Heinz Sielmann Foundation are sounding the alarm: the current drought period has led to a dramatic decline in biodiversity. Many wet meadows and fen areas, which are essential for the reproduction and survival of many species, are drying out - a worrying trend that has been observed since 2018. According to the report by daily news There is a lack of precipitation: at just 62 liters per square meter, less than half of normal fell in the spring.

Climate change and biodiversity

The climatic changes not only affect the flora, but also the fauna of the Ferbitzer Bruch. The moor frog and the marshwort have already disappeared, while other species such as orchids and the fritillary butterflies are suffering from a lack of food. Sielmann Foundation highlights that the drying of wetlands not only threatens biological habitats but also has negative impacts on the climate. These valuable CO₂ storage units are losing their function and are increasingly becoming sources of climate-damaging gases.

Biodiversity plays a key role in sustainable development, according to the study Karlsruhe Institute of Technology shows. Around one million plant and animal species are at risk of extinction, and climate change is a major contributor to this loss. In particular, the Aichi goals for protecting biodiversity, which were adopted in 2010, are largely being missed. A rethink is urgently needed.

Need for action and initiatives

The experts are therefore calling for more investment in local water retention. A multi-million dollar species protection project aims to stabilize the water reserves in the Ferbitzer Bruch and thereby secure biodiversity. The aim is to keep precipitation in the area for longer in order to mitigate the negative effects of climate change.

The challenges are enormous, but the commitment of the Heinz Sielmann Foundation gives hope. It is up to all of us to take responsibility and protect the Ferbitzer Bruch habitat. Because this is where the heart of nature beats - and that should be worth something to us all.