Andre Baumann meets Biodiversity Research [01.08.23]
Exchange: State Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and KomBioTa researchers about current projects on wild bees and wasps.
Andre Baumann visits the University of Hohenheim's teaching gardens to learn about ongoing research on wild bees and wasps. (Photo: University of Hohenheim / KomBioTa)
In mid-July, a group of taxonomy scientists from the KomBioTa network received guests from the politics. Dr. Andre Baumann, State Secretary of the Ministry for the Environment, Climate and Energy Economy came to learn about the project DNA Barcoding of Nesting Aids - What do wild bees and wasps need, which is funded by the Stiftung Naturschutzfonds from the proceeds of the "Glücksspirale".
The insect hotels, whose components can be easily disassembled, allow biologists to study relationships between nesting insect species and surrounding habitats. (Photo: University of Hohenheim / KomBioTa)
What can be done to attract wild bees and wasps to domestic gardens and fields? That was the central question discussed during the exchange at the newly constructed wild bee hotels in the Hohenheim teaching gardens. Dr. Manuela Sann and Luisa Timm presented their work and answered questions about their methods. The new nesting aids can be taken apart for research purposes, allowing a look at the insects nesting inside. This allows detailed research into which wild bees and wasps behaviour. In witch environment they feel comfortable? What benefits can humans derive from them for fields or gardens, for example, in terms of pest control? The research team tries to answer questions like these until March 2024 and document their findings. From this, suitable recommendations for action can be derived for various habitats to promote biodiversity. A bachelor's thesis on exotic and native plants and their effects on pollinators was also presented to complement this.
An SWR editor followed the official press invitation. His impressions were published to the general public online on the SWR website.
Dr. Manuela Sann presents the project idea and realization as well as its importance for the promotion of biodiversity to Andre Baumann and a group of interested people. (Photo: University of Hohenheim / KomBioTa)
The components of the hotel can be disassembled. Through Plexiglas panels, breeding insect species can be seen, as well as details about the type and manner of breeding behavior analyzed. (Photo: University of Hohenheim / KomBioTa)
A look through the microscope enables the experts to precisely determine the species of wild bees and wasps. (Photo: University of Hohenheim / KomBioTa)
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