Pine forests in Brandenburg: Red alert for threatened biotopes!

Pine forests in Brandenburg: Red alert for threatened biotopes!

In the hilly forest northeast of the village of Niebel in Treuenbrietzen, the characteristic lichen-pine forests are under pressure. This environment, which contains an impressive inland dune measuring almost 65 meters high, is part of a Europe-wide conservation project known as Natura 2000. This reports maz-online.de.

The habitat of these special pine forests is of great ecological importance. They are not only home to various endangered insects such as the blue-winged grasshopper insect and the Italian beetle insect, but also to a wide range of plant species. Particularly noticeable are specialized plants such as silver grass and sand sedge, which can thrive in these nutrient-poor soils. Nevertheless, the situation is critical: around 90 percent of the lichen-pine forests in Germany have disappeared since the 1990s. The threat to these biotopes is further exacerbated by nutrient input and intensive forestry use. bfn.de informs about the challenges associated with these habitats.

Conservation measures and challenges

Saving lichen-pine forests requires numerous measures. This includes removing soil and felling trees to counteract invasive species such as wild grass and late-flowering bird cherry. These activities are particularly important to maintain the nutrient poverty that benefits the plant species in this biotope.

But here good intentions collide with harsh reality: there is a lack of financial resources to implement the necessary conservation plans, which leads to frustration for many of those involved. Volunteers like Ingo Höhne, who works as a coordinator in the Nuthe-Nieplitz Nature Park, are urgently looking for support to preserve these unique ecosystems.

Insight into the flora and fauna

Particularly worth mentioning is the antlion, which is known, among other things, for its fishing technique in sand funnels. This fascinating creature was even named “Secret Door of the Year 2022”. Endangered species such as the Italian beetle grasshopper are under urgent protection. The habitat that the lichen-pine forests represent is evidenced by their uniqueness and the species that live in them.

The importance of these forests is undisputed. They are not only part of the cultural heritage that arose through human use, such as the use of pine needles as bedding, but also a defining part of the landscape in the Treuenbrietzen area. bfn.de offers deeper insights into the typical characteristics and distribution areas of these creatures worthy of protection.

The combination of near-natural forest grazing and targeted protection are crucial measures to mitigate the consequences of human impact and preserve this valuable habitat. The future of the lichen-pine forests in Brandenburg may be challenging, but with shared commitment it is possible to preserve this unique habitat.