Bunte Wiese Landau: Extensive mowing and biodiversity in urban areas. Most inner-city green spaces (cf. Goethepark, Schillerpark) and private gardens are mowed too frequently, and urban habitats are gaining in importance with the intensification of agriculture. In view of insect mortality and the biodiversity crisis, homogeneous lawns are botanically species-poor and offer animals little food and refuge. In cooperation with the city, the 'Bunte Wiese Landau' project is researching the influence of reduced mowing on several areas; different groups of organisms, such as plants and insects, can be studied in the summer of 2026. [Kai Riess]
Plant mapping at the renaturalized Sulzbach. Long-term studies are being carried out on the EERES site to investigate the effects of renaturation on still and flowing water systems. Qualitative and quantitative plant mapping can be carried out in the summer of 2026 as part of Bachelor's or Master's theses. The results can be incorporated into the evaluation of renaturation measures and taken into account in the development of water management measures. [Kai Riess]
Plant-associated fungi on the EERES site. In contrast to terrestrial habitats, little research has been done on plant-associated fungi in the land-water interface. In summer/autumn 2026, typical riparian plants can be mapped for above- and below-ground fungi on the EERES site. The focus will be on the species-rich blight and rust fungi as well as powdery mildew, but in principle all fungi will be recorded and evaluated in the context of their hosts. [Kai Riess]
Spread of species in an urban context and ecological consequences: Many (alien) species spread in the course of changing environmental conditions and can benefit from urbanization. The ecological consequences are largely unknown and will be investigated for various grasshopper species (e.g. Phenaroptera nana, Meconema meridionale) as part of final theses. [Jens Schirmel]
The impact of invasive plants on animals is often unknown. Studies in this regard are possible for various plants in Rhineland-Palatinate [Jens Schirmel]
City - Country - Tree - Spider: Trees can provide valuable habitats. But how does the species community of spiders differ in urban and rural areas in Landau and the surrounding area and which tree characteristics are particularly valuable? Final theses can be awarded for the survey of summer habitats (spring/summer) and hibernation refuges (winter). [Jo Reiff]