Volume 28 (2022) Article 32

Assessing mire-specific biodiversity with an indicator based approach

by Jenny Hammerich, Christin Dammann, Corinna Schulz, Franziska Tanneberger, Jutta Zeitz, Vera Luthardt

Published online: 09.10.2022

Summary

The biodiversity of mires is characterised by a small number of highly specialised species, mostly high spatial heterogeneity and a strong influence of abiotic factors such as high water table and soil substrate (peat). To assess mire-specific biodiversity, indicators that represent and value all of these characteristics are needed. In this study, we present a system of such indicators for the example of north-east Germany. Our indicators encompass different levels of mire-specific biodiversity and enable an overall assessment. We place special emphasis on high user-friendliness. The attributes considered have been well researched in the study area. Based on data from 30 study sites, we developed scales for rating mire-specific biodiversity in six categories. To evaluate the indicator system, we compared the assessment of selected peatlands via the indicator system with the assessments of experts and practitioners in peatland research and management. This evaluation showed high correspondence. We also demonstrate the use of the indicator system as a practical tool for assessing the effects of peatland restoration, and provide suggestions for its application in other geographical regions.

Citation

Hammerich, J., Dammann, C., Schulz, C., Tanneberger, F., Zeitz, J., Luthardt, V. (2022) Assessing mire-specific biodiversity with an indicator based approach. Mires and Peat, 28, 32, 29pp. (Online: http://www.mires-and-peat.net/pages/volumes/map28/map2832.php); doi: 10.19189/MaP.2021.SJ.StA.2205

Reviewers

IMCG and IPS acknowledge the work of the reviewers.