Nature

1

1.1 Reserves, Natura 2000 1.1.1 Natural Environment Arrangement 1.1.2 Nature Reserves, Landscape Conservation, Large Reserve Areas 1.1.3 FFH and SPA Areas 1.2 Species and Biotope Conservation 1.2.1 Biodiversity and Conservation Programs for Brandenburg‘s Animal and Plant World 1.2.2 Brandenburg‘s Endangered Breeding Birds – Red List 2008 1.2.3 Breeding Areas for Waterbirds 1.2.4 Lesser Spotted Eagle Conservation 1.2.5 Great Bustard Conservation 1.2.6 Bat Fauna 1.2.7 Amphibian Conservation Program 1.2.8 Species Conservation Implementation 1.2.9 Cormorant Management 1.2.10 Wolf Management 1.3 Distribution and Population of Selected Protected Species and Habitats 1.3.1 Inland Salt Meadows 1.3.2 Population Development of Rare, Protected Plant Species in Large Reserves 1.3.3 Population Development of Rare, Protected Animal Species in Large Reserves 1.3.4 Ecosystem Environment Observation in the Biosphere Reserves 1.4 Landscape Planning 1.5 Conservation Law

5 5 8 10 12 12 15 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 26 27 31 33 34 36

1.1 Reserves, Natura 2000 1.1.1 Natural Environment Arrangement In Brandenburg‘s natural environment regions plateau and hill landscapes alternate with river valleys and glacial valleys. This extant relief, together with the respective soil types, determines the agricultural and forestry use that has characterized our landscape for centuries. Large parts of Brandenburg are defined by their sandy, gravelly substrates. The average elevation of Brandenburg lies between 30 and 50 meters above sea level. In the Kmehlen Mountains, on the state border with Saxony, the Kutschenberg with its 201 meters is the highest elevation. In the glacial valleys there are extended swamp formations; however, many of these lowland moors are severely damaged due to drainage and intensive use. The nature preservation goal is to maintain little damaged landscapes as habitats for endangered species and species that demand few disturbances as well as to sustainably maintain the special quality of the Brandenburg landscape.

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

5

Little Disturbed Landscape Regions

Map 1-1

Störungsarme Landschaftsräume

U c ke r mar k Elb e

Ky r

i t z -R u

ei d ppi n er H

e Sc h H

o rfheide

el av

Od er

Brandenburg an der Havel

Potsdam

Breitlingsee

F lä

Land Berlin

Frankfurt (Oder)

Schwielowsee

mi

Os t b

ng

Störungsarme Landschaftsräume Little Disturbed Landscape Regions acc. gem. Brandenburg Landscape Program Landschaftsprogramm Brandenburg Fluss River

Autobahn Motorway

See Lake

Federal Highway Bundesstraße

Siedlung Habitation

Regional Train Regionalbahn

Forest Wald

State Border Landesgrenze

r a nd e nburgi sches Schwielochsee

Baruther Urstromtal

He i de -

un d Se e ngebiet

Spreewald Spree

La u

Cottbus

Talsperre Spremberg

s i t z e r G re n z w a

Ne iß e

ll

Quelle: Landesvermessung und Geobasisinformation Brandenburg, LUA, 2009 Source: Landesvermessung und Geobasisinformation Brandenburg, LUA, 2009

Examples of large, little disturbed landscape regions include the High Fläming, the Schorfheide, the terminal moraine areas in the Uckermark, and the East Brandenburg Heath and Lake Area. Around one-third of Brandenburg is taken up by forests; the largest contiguous forest areas are the Schorfheide and Kyritz-Ruppin Heath in the north, the extended forest areas between Frankfurt (Oder) and the Oberspreewald, as well as the the Fläming, northeast of the Baruth Glacial Valley, and the Lausitz Ramparts in the south. Transport facilities such as roads and train lines cut up ecologically functional units and isolate habitats. In addition, the recreational suitability of the landscape is impaired.

Further Information:  Nature Preservation and Landscape Conservation  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/5lbm1.c.107783.deUH

6

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

Distribution of Flowing and Standing Waters

Map 1-2

Uc

ke r

Verteilung der Fließ- und Standgewässer

Uckerseen

Stechlinsee

We lse

Do s se

St e

Jäg li tz

Ruppiner See k an Rhin

Rhin . Gr

Havell. Ha v el

Oder-Havel-Kanal

l ve Ha

al

Ha up tk.

Hav elka nal

Land Berlin

Trebelsee

Beetzsee

Wannsee

Breitlingsee Bu ck au

Od er

Tegeler See Großer Müggelsee Sp re e

Od e rSchar- Ka n Sp ree al mützelsee

litz

i Nuth e

Pl a

Da hm

ne

Ni ep -

Schwielowsee

e

Elb e

itz

pe nit z

mn Dö

Sp ree

Schwielochsee

Sp ree

Kle ine Elster

Talsperre Spremberg

River/Canal Fluss/Kanal

Quelle: Landesvermessung und Geobasisinformation Brandenburg, LUA, 2009

Senftenberger See Elb e

Landesgrenze State Border

er itz us iße La Ne

Lake See

Ma lxe

Pu ls n

Schwarze Elster itz

Source: Landesvermessung und Geobasisinformation Brandenburg, LUA, 2009

Brandenburg features an extended network of flowing waterways as well as over 3,000 lakes with an area of over one hectare. In addition there are approx. 50,000 smaller waters, so called ponded depressions that, like the lakes, were largely formed as a result of the last ice age. The Elbe, Oder, Havel, Spree, and the Schwarze Elster are the largest flowing waters in Brandenburg. A main watershed runs through Brandenburg. While a large percentage of the flowing waters empty into the North Sea via the Elbe, the river system of the Oder in Oderhaff flows into the Baltic Sea. The portion of the North Sea river catchment is over 81% of Brandenburg‘s land area. The largest lake is the Scharmützelsee with a surface area of over 12 square kilometers. The largest man-made lake is the Senftenberger See (10.6 km2) that was created by flooding a brown coal mining pit. The great wealth of waters underpins a species-rich and partly unique world of plants and animals.

Further Information:  Water Protection and Water Management  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/5lbm1.c.107804.de       Flowing waters in Brandenburg  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/5lbm1.c.171522.de

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

7

1.1.2

Nature Preservation, Landscape Conservation, and Large Reserve Areas Nature Preservation and Landscape Conservation Areas

Map 1-3

Naturschutz- und Landschaftsschutzgebiete

Uckermark

Elb e

OstprignitzRuppin

Prignitz

Oberhavel

ve Ha

l

Barnim MärkischOderland

Havelland Brandenburg an der Havel Breitlingsee

Od er

Land Berlin Potsdam

PotsdamMittelmark

Oder-Spree

TeltowFläming Nature reserve Naturschutzgebiet

DahmeSpreewald OberspreewaldLausitz

Cottbus ße ei

Elbe-Elster

schutzgebiet

Schwielochsee

N

LandschaftsLandscape conservation area

Frankfurt (Oder)

Sp r ee

Schwielowsee

Talsperre Spremberg

Spree-Neiße

Landesgrenze State border District border Kreisgrenze

Quelle: LUA, 2009 Source: LUA, 2009

The designation of nature (NSG) and landscape conservation areas (LSG) is taking place primarily for the legally required protection of Natura 2000 areas. In addition to the 453 current NSG and the 115 LSG, at this time 33 processes for designation or for revision of NSG are underway.  →  Table 1-1-1 For the LSG „Prignitz-Stepenitz Agricultural Landscape,“ a European Bird Sanctuary in the Prignitz district with around 32,000 hectares, the entire preparation of the map materials was conducted digitally on the basis of geographical information system data (GIS) – a first at this scale in Brandenburg. The further protection of bird sanctuaries is intended to follow a legal provision.  ←  Map 1-3

The 15 large reserve areas take up a third of the total state area. The eleven nature parks, three biosphere reserves, and the Lower Oder Valley National Park are regional models for sustainable commercial and living practices. Grouped under the countrywide umbrella of the National Natural Landscapes the administrations of the large reserves are actively involved in ecologically friendly regional development, nature tourism, and environmental education. The integration of conservation into land use is a focal point here. →  Map 1-4

Further Information:  Detailed information about the individual protected areas can be found at the electronic map service in the information portal       http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/lbm1.c.292617.de

8

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

Large Reserves

Map 1-4

Großschutzgebiete

Uckermark Prignitz

Naturpark Uckermärkische Biosphärenreservat Naturpark Seen Elb Flusslandschaft Stechline Nationalpark Elbe Brandenburg Ruppiner Land Biosphärenreservat Unteres Odertal OstprignitzSchorfheideRuppin Chorin Oberhavel Naturpark Naturpark Westhavelland Barnim MärkischOderland Barnim Havelland

Ha ve l

Brandenburg an der Havel Breitlingsee

PotsdamMittelmark

Naturpark Hoher Fläming

Land Berlin

Potsdam Schwielowsee

Od er

Naturpark Märkische Schweiz

Dahme-

Sp r ee

OderNaturpark Spree Dahme-Heideseen

Naturpark Nuthe-Nieplitz TeltowFläming

Frankfurt (Oder) Naturpark Schlaubetal

Schwielochsee

Spreewald Biosphärenreservat Spreewald

Nationalpark National park

Naturpark Niederlausitzer Landrücken Elbe-Elster

Biosphärenreservat Biosphere reserve Nature park Naturpark

Naturpark Niederlausitzer Heidelandschaft

Landesgrenze State border District border Kreisgrenze

OberspreewaldLausitz

Cottbus N

Talsprerre Spremerg

ei ße

Spree-Neiße

Quelle: LUA, 2009 Source: LUA, 2009

Table 1-1-1

Nature Reserves and Landscape Conservation Areas in the State of Brandenburg (Status: 31.122009) Number

Area (ha2)

Nature Reserve (NSG)

Area

453

221,073

7.5

Landscape Conservation Area (LSG)

116

1,014,192

34.4

1

10,600

0.36

3

229,900

7.8

11

715,200

24.2

Lower Oder Valley National Park1 Biosphere Reserves Nature Parks 2 1 2

2

Percent of State Area (%)

Area already included in Nature Reserves The contained NSG/LSGs already included in the area figures of nature reserves and landscape conservation areas,

Source: LUA, 2009

Further Information:  Nature and Landscape Areas  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/5lbm1.c.183316.de       Natura 2000 – a Europe-wide reserve network  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/5lbm1.c.182169.de       National Nature Landscapes  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/lbm1.c.323193.de

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

9

1.1.3

FFH and SPA Areas

Map 1-5

European Reserve Areas Europäische Schutzgebiete

Uckermark

Elb e

Prignitz OstprignitzRuppin

Oberhavel

ve Ha

l

Barnim MärkischOderland

Havelland Brandenburg an der Havel

Breitlingsee

Od er

Land Berlin Potsdam

PotsdamMittelmark

Oder-Spree Schwielochsee

TeltowFläming

FFH-Gebiet FFH area

DahmeSpreewald Cottbus Talsperre Spremberg

ße ei

OberspreewaldLausitz

N

Elbe-Elster

Vogelschutzgebiet Bird sanctuary

Frankfurt (Oder)

Sp re e

Schwielowsee

Spree-Neiße

Landesgrenze State border District border Kreisgrenze Quelle: LUA, 2009

Source: LUA, 2009

Table 1-1-2 Area

Natura 2000 Areas in Brandenburg Number

Area (ha2)

Percent of State Area (%)

Bird sanctuaries

27

648,638

22.0 *

FFH areas

620

333,136

11.3 *

* Bird sanctuaries and FFH areas partly overlap. The Natura 2000 areas in the State of Brandenburg cover an area of around 26 % of the total state area.

Source: LUA, 2009

In implementing the FFH Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (Fauna Flora Habitat Directive 1992–92/43/EWG) and the EU Birds Directive from 1979 Brandenburg has brought 620 areas of communal use (FFH areas) and 27 bird sanctuaries (Special Protection Areas – SPA) into the European protection system Natura 2000. With the inclusion of all responses from the member states since the end of 2007 all Brandenburg FFH areas are now also part of the list of areas of communal importance for the Continental Biogeographic Regions and therefore „Sites of Community Importance“ (SCI). These areas must be protected according to Article 4 of the FFH Directive using suitable instruments under national and/or state law. ←  Table 1-1-2

10

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

Status of Securing the FFH Areas (31.12.2008) •  305 FFH areas are contained within the established Nature Reserves (NSG). These include 136 of the so-called „Alt“ NSGs, in which the FFH goals have not yet been incorporated. The quality of these areas must still be checked and, if necessary, altered. •  203 FFH areas are contained within the landscape conservation areas (LSG). Here an appraisal will be undertaken to determine if conservation need be supplemented via management statutes, management plans, or recognition as a NSG. •  17 FFH areas are secured via management statutes that are contractually agreed to by the owners/occupants and include measures for the care and development of the habitats. The effectiveness and status of the measures will be determined by regular surveys. •  14 FFH areas are in the process of being established as NSG.

Birch forest with reindeer lichens in the FFH area Welsehänge Kunow (Photo: F. Zimmermann)

•  23 FFH areas should be secured as NSG. FFH areas should be secured with management statutes. The number of NSG designations currently in process and/or planned designations and management statutes is higher in total because in some instances multiple processes are necessary, or the protection of already secured FFH areas needs to be completed regarding the conservation goals. •  5 FFH areas, located on military training grounds, are supposed to be secured from the land cover plans of the German Armed Forces (land cover plans are planned uses and measures including nature conservation needs on German Armed Forces land). •  14 FFH areas include bat habitations that are currently not under any other protection. Necessary protection instruments will be checked.

Meadow sage in a dry grassland area of the Lower Oder Valley National Park (Photo: F. Zimmermann)

Further Information:  Natura 2000 – a Europe-wide reserve network  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/5lbm1.c.182169.de       Natura 2000 – Fauna-Flora Habitat Directive  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/5lbm1.c.182563.de

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

11

1.2 Species and Biotope Conservation 1.2.1 Biodiversity and Conservation Programs for Brandenburg‘s Animal and Plant World The conservation of biological diversity in the sense laid down by the CBD includes both conservation and sustainable use and therefore the most varied facets such as conservation of ecosystems, of species diversity and genetic diversity as well as agricultural diversity. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was enacted in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro and has thus far been ratified by 189 countries – including Germany. Biodiversity Brandenburg carries responsibility for the conservation of habitats and species as well as further core areas of biodiversity in the sense of the CBD both within Germany and, in particular instances, beyond. Habitats of special note are, above all, the nutrient-poor clear water lakes, kettle and terrestrialization moors, flatland flower meadows, subcontinental arid and semi-arid grasslands, as well as Baltic beech forests and their characteristic species. In spite of positive trends for individual endangered species and biotopes – thanks to the active conservation of nature and environment – Brandenburg is still experiencing serious declines among numerous groups of organisms and their habitats. Causes are still (or, again) increasing introduction of nutrients and pollutants into the ecosystem, a negative water balance in wetland areas, and the increasing parceling of land. The level of endangerment in the biotope is alarming: almost three quarters of all biotope types in the State of Brandenburg are endangered in comparison with Germany as a whole, even if to varying extents. Only among certain species groups and habitats is the level of endangerment assessed to be significantly less dramatic. On the one hand landscape changes and intensive land use are not so serious. On the other the rich geomorphology of the landscape elements and habitats that resulted from the ice ages (numerous lakes, small waters and moors, large proportion of forests) is the reason why many species still exist in Brandenburg – species that have elsewhere died out or become very rare. The assessment of the endangerment level for specific species is carried out according to a standardized reference key.

Examples of the Main Causes of Endangerment for Species and Habitats: The intensive agricultural and forest use, including high application of biocides and fertilization in agriculture, irrigation construction and maintenance, water pollution and eutrophication, the succession of secondary habitats through eutrophication/scrub encroachment, draining of small waters and moors, as well as altered land use forms and tasks. Aus diesen Gefährdungsursachen sind für Brandenburgs Schwerpunkträume spezifische Handlungsfelder und Forderungen für die Umsetzung der CBD und der Nationalen Strategie zur Biologischen Vielfalt abgeleitet worden. Specific Fields of Action The following goals apply to Brandenburg‘s areas of focus – continental arid grasslands, floodplains, mixed deciduous forests, species-rich flower meadows, and former military training grounds: •  paramount is the conservation and restoration of the wetlands and flowing waters. •  the landscape water economy is to be stabilized. •  land and forest use must have environmentally-friendly orientation. •  nutrient and pollutant deposition must be limited in sensitive ecosystems. •  dissected elements (primarily main roads) are either to be avoided or made ecologically penetrable. •  the protection and/or creation of connecting structures (e.g. wild animal corridors and stepping stone biotopes) should function at this time in the service of sensitive, state-wide, and regional concepts and implementation measures.

Bistort with a cistus forester in a wetland meadow in Havelland (Photo: F. Zimmermann)

12

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

Species Diversity For some species special protection programs have been approved (e.g white-tailed eagle, osprey, lesser spotted eagle; black grouse; European otter and beaver). Further species and/or groups of species (e.g. Great Bustard, reedbed breeders, European pond turtle) are the object of statewide and partly inter-state protection projects that are professionally coordinated and administered by the Brandenburg State Office for Environment. The evaluation of the Red Lists of Endangered Animals and Plants published between 1997 and 2009 shows differentiated population levels of many species. In total around 50% of all observed species are classified as endangered, of which •  around 8% of all observed species are severely endangered and •  almost 10% of all observed species in Brandenburg are in fact in danger of extinction. Several of these species could permanently disappear from our landscape in the coming years, if the main causes of endangerment are not mitigated. This would mean further losses to biodiversity. Positive Population Developments •  increase in numbers of several birds of prey (e.g. whitetailed eagle, osprey, Montagu‘s harrier), •  continuous increase of storks (both as breeding birds as well as during migration), •  slight increase in numbers of Great Bustards by means of intensive management and population support, •  reintroduction of a tree breeding population of Peregrine falcons, •  increase in numbers of sedge warblers and bearded reedlings (via reed growth on abandoned wetland meadows), •  local positive trends for several species of amphibian (e.g. European tree frog), •  continuous positive population development for the European otter and beaver. Newly migrated or introduced (invasive) species assure, on the one hand, for the growth of the species‘ lists, but many of these „new citizens“ among the animal and plant species are problematic. Several of them, e.g. the raccoon and raccoon dog, even displace native species.

The Flachsee (Flat Lake) in the Nuthe-Nieplitz Lowland Nature Park with species rich wetland habitats

The former military training grounds in Brandenburg have special natural characteristics

The Painted Lady is a truly common species in comparison to other Papilionoidea (Photo: F. Zimmermann)

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

13

Scarlet dragonfly (Photo: F. Zimmermann)

Coenagrionidae (Photo: F. Zimmermann)

Negative Developments of Various Species/Species Groups •  dramatic reduction of ground breeding species, especially of meadow breeders, •  further reductions of lesser spotted eagles in spite of intensive protection measures, •  population reductions of red kites (a special responsibility of Germany given that a majority of the European breeding population lives here), •  reduction of bird species on arid-warm open habitats (hoopoe, tawny pipit), •  increasing dependence of some building breeders on nesting aids, •  further reductions is some amphibian species (e.g. European fire-bellied toad, great crested newt, Subarctic darner, dwarf damselfly), •  dramatic reduction of plant species on nutrient-poor transitional moors, calcium-rich fens, and wetland meadows (e.g. bog orchid, liparis loeselii, Western marsh orchid) as well as of species on arid grasslands (e.g. small pasque flower, Scabiosa canescens), •  severe reduction of plant species in nutrient-poor forests and further low competition forest types (e.g. wintergreen and club mosses as well as many lichens) as well as several, once more frequent Brassicaceae (e.g. lamb succory, forking larkspur).

Climate change has demonstrated significant effects in Brandenburg. Increasingly we are seeing species with Submediterranean distribution centers (e.g. scarlet dragonfly, scarce swallowtail, Italian locust). Species with boreal-alpine distribution centers and special habitat requirements (e.g. large white-faced darter) are clearly caught in a decline caused by climate change. An immediate intensification of species depletion as a result of climate change is to be expected in the future especially given the interplay with altered rainfall conditions and the anticipated intensification of summer aridity.

Polistine wasp (Photo: F. Zimmermann)

Further Information:  Species and Biotope Protection  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/bb2.c.521105.de

14

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

1.2.2 Brandenburg‘s Endangered Breeding Birds – Red List 2008

ed in new Red Lists and lists of breeding bird species in Brandenburg (T. RYSLAVY & W. MÄDLOW with assistance from M. JURKE) that appeared in the journal of the State Office for Environment „Naturschutz und Landschaftsplege in Brandenburg“ („Nature Preservation and Landscape Conservation in Brandenburg“) as a supplement to the volume 4/2008. In addition to population sizes and short-term population trends, long-term trends will now also be given a higher significance. Modified evaluation criteria and detected population changes have led, in part, to considerable changes in contrast to the data gathers in the middle of the 1990s. The number of endangered species from 1997 (111) to 2008 (86) on the Red List is substantially lower, a change which above all has been affected by the modified evaluation criteria.

The new evaluation of the level of endangerment for breeding birds in the State of Brandenburg is based on a remarkably comprehensive database. •  the annual breeding bird monitoring of common species for the years 1995–2006 (territorial mapping, Point Count Survey) and •  annual monitoring of many rarer species for the years 1991-2008, •  first-time, comprehensive population censuses in EU bird sanctuaries, •  results of ordnance survey mapping of selected bird species, •  results of data collection by the Plc Berlin-Brandenburg Ornithologists (ABBO) as well as the •  consideration of current evaluation criteria from across Germany and abroad. The cooperation with more than 300 volunteer ornithologists and especially in collaboration with the ABBO result-

Table 1-2

Categories of the Red List of Breeding Birds: 0  extinct or missing

1  threatened with extinction

2  severely endangered

3  endangered

R  extremely rare, species with geographic restriction

V  Vulnerable

Comparison of the Red List of Breeding Birds in Brandenburg

Category

Red List 1992 Number of Species

Red List 1997 Number of Species

0

7 (6 %)

11 (10 %)

Red List 2008 Number of Species 14 (16 %)

1

29 (25 %)

35 (32 %)

23 (27 %)

2

20 (17 %)

19 (17 %)

22 (26 %)

3

29 (25 %)

29 (26 %)

20 (23 %)

4

13 (11%) 17 (15 %)

7 (8 %)

R I

19 (16 %)

(Vulnerable) Total

117 (100 %)

(14)

(20)

111 (100 %)

86 (100 %)

The percentage of species with the highest endangerment level (categories 0, 1, 2) has risen from 47% in 1992 to 69% in 2008

Source: Ryslavy & Mädlow (2008): Red Lists and Lists of Breeding Birds in Brandenburg

Changes between the Red Lists from 1997 to 2008 Upgrades for 29 Species into a Higher Category and 12 Species on the Vulnerable List

Table 1-3 Category

Species

1→0

Western Capercaillie, European Roller, Hazel Grouse, Hen Harrier

R→0

Red Wing

2→1

Jackdaw, Common Teal, Red-necked Grebe, Spotted Crake

3→1

Little Ringed Plover, Northern Wheatear

v→1

Common Pochard

3→2

Whinchat, Crested Lark, Rook, Turtle Dove, Sand Martin, Eurasia Wryneck, Meadow Pipit

R→3

Eurasian Siskin, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Common Rosefinch

v→3

Skylark, Barn Swallow

*→3

Linnet, Barred Warbler

*→R

Pied Avocet, Whiskered Tern, White-winged Tern

*→v

Tree Pipit, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Common Redstart, Icterine Warbler, European Serin, Great Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Red-backed Shrike, Yellow Wagtail, River Warbler, Eurasian Pygmy-owl, Common Kestrel

* no classification on the Red List 1997

Source: Ryslavy & Mädlow (2008): Red Lists and Lists of Breeding Birds in Brandenburg

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

15

Alterations between the Red Lists 1997 and 2008 Gradations for the 54 Species in Lower Categories or Removal, 10 Species from the Vulnerable List

Table 1-4 Category

Species

0→1

Ferruginous Duck

0 → **

Jack Snipe

1→2

Eurasian Hobby, Tawny Pipit, Common Sandpiper, Common Merganser, Little Crake, Little Owl, Black Tern, Peregrine Falcon, Montagu's Harrier, Little Bittern

1→3

Garganey, Eurasian Bittern, Black Stork

1 → **

Eurasian Oystercatcher, Great Grey Shrike

2→3

Bluethroat, Common Kingfisher, Common Tern, Barn Owl, European Nightjar

2→v

Grey Wagtail, Eurasian Sparrowhawk

2 → **

Corn Bunting, White-tailed Eagle, Common Quail

3→v

Great Reed Warbler, Northern Goshawk, Ortolan Bunting, Sedge Warbler, Little Grebe

3 → **

Bearded Reedling, European Penduline Tit, Osprey, Woodlark, Common Crane, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Savi's Warbler, Common Goldeneye, Black Kite, Fieldfare, Eurasian Woodcock, Water Rail

R → **

European Bee-eater, Common Shelduck, Common Crossbill, Red-crested Pochard, Tengmalm's Owl, Gadwall, European Stonechat, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Green Sandpiper

v → **

Green Woodpecker, House Sparrow, Mute Swan, Common Cuckoo, Common Swift, Common House Martin, Tufted Duck, European Starling, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Collared Dove

** no classification on the Red List 2008

Source: Ryslavy & Mädlow (2008): Red Lists and Lists of Breeding Birds in Brandenburg

Northern Lapwing: the breeding stocks of the Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) (Cat. 2), although still a bird found all over the world a few decades ago, have been strongly impacted by habitat losses and, above all, insufficient reproduction. (Photo: St. Fahl)

Barn Swallow: Meanwhile reductions in livestock populations as well as an increasing shortage of nesting places have made the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) (Cat. 3), a bird that largely breeds in buildings, relatively rare and it is now on the Red List for the first time. (Photo: St. Fahl)

Jackdaw: Nesting place shortages, the result of building renovations, has seriously reduced the population of jackdaws (Coloeus monedula) (Cat. 1). The species is now extremely dependent on population support measures (nesting boxes). (Photo: B. Kehl).

Further Information:  Red List of Breeding Birds  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/bb2.c.521105.de

16

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

1.2.3 Breeding Areas for Waterbirds Significant Breeding Areas for Waterbirds

Map 1-6

Bedeutende Brutgebiete für Wasservögel

Stechlinsee

Ziegeleiteiche Zehdenick

Elbeniederung

Gülper See Untere Havelniederung

Grimnitzsee

Südteil

Od er

Abwasserteiche Nauen

Mittlere Brandenburg an der Havel Havelniederung BreitPotsdam

Mittlere Oder

Land Berlin

SchwieSp re e lowsee Nuthe-NieplitzGroß Schauener Niederung Rangsdorfer See Seenkette (mit Horstfelder See und Prierowsee) Nu the

Pla ne

Rietzer See

Gieshof Genschmar

Pritzerber See und Havelniederung bis Premnitz

lingsee

Nordteil Unteres Odertal

Werbellin- Parsteiner See see

l ve Ha

Linumer Teiche

Felchowsee/ Lanke/ Landiner Haussee

Teiche Blumberger Mühle

Do s se

St e

Elb e

pe nit z

Ober- und Unter-Uckersee

Frankfurt (Oder) Schlaubetalseen

Schwielochsee und Alte Spreemündung Schlepziger Teiche Byhleguhrer See, Byhlener See, Niederlausitzer Butzener See TeichFeuchtgebiet südöst. landschaft Lübben (Kokrowsberg) Peitzer Bärenbrück Teiche Stoßdorfer See Stradower Lakoma Teiche MulknitzCottbus Eulo Glinziger Teiche KathlowKolkwitzer Teiche Sergen Tal- Groß Jamno/ Tagebaurestseen Greifenhain sperre Klein Jamno im Entstehen Sprem- Östliche Meuro Sedlitzer Welzow-berg Cottbuser Klettwitz See Süd Teichlandschaft Skadower See Senftenberger See Kleinkoschener See Tagebaurestseen bei Senftenberg Spreewald

Brutgebiet Breeding areas Tagebaurestsee im Entstehen

Developing mining lakes

a hw Sc

See Lake

rze

River/canal Fluss/Kanal

Els

te r

Landesgrenze State border Quelle: LUA, 2009

Source: LUA, 2009

Of the species in Brandenburg on the Red List approx. 75% live in aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. 30 of the most significant and valuable breeding areas for waterbirds in Brandenburg have been studied within the framework of the project „Ecological Characterization of Breeding Areas for Waterbirds in Brandenburg.“ This detailed, area by area, the ecological conditions of Brandenburg as a simultaneously water-rich and water-poor state, the categorization of the habitats for waterbirds, and the selection criteria for the most valuable waterbird breeding areas.

Further Information:  Publication  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/media.php/lbm1.a.2320.de/bd_ q57.pdf       State Bird Station  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/lbm1.c.218961.de

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

17

1.2.4 Conservation of the Lesser Spotted Eagle The Lesser Spotted Eagle, as one of the prioritized breeding bird species in Brandenburg, has been the object of varied and intensive conservation measures for more than 10 years. In addition to the ongoing conservation program, since 2004 the rescue of the second-born fledgling, which would naturally fall victim to the species-specific Cainism or „fratricide,“ is also being practiced. The second-born is taken immediately after hatching, raised by humans for several weeks, and then returned to the same nest once the aggressive drive has abated. Since 2007, and ongoing until 2011, this „Fledgling Management“ (JVM) is taking place within the framework of a project funded by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt and the Deutsche Wildtier Stiftung. Additional fledglings from Latvia will also the adopted as Brandenburg nestlings after intensive preliminary examination. Measurement of the success of the project will be conducted with the assistance of satellite telemetry, among other methods. In 2008 ten fledglings (six of which came from Latvia) were successfully adopted in Brandenburg. Two fledglings, for which no nests were available, were adopted from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Two further birds adopted in Brandenburg went missing before the flight in Africa. Without these four birds 1.18 young left the nest from the 22 Lesser Spotted Eagle pairs in Brandenburg. This corresponds to an increase in the procreation rate through the management of 62%. In the years from 2004 to 2008 the JVM allowed 26 additional fledglings to leave the nest in Brandenburg, of which three perished before the beginning of the autumn migration. On average during the five years the procreation rate rose by 33%. The efficiency of the Fledgling Management is increasing over the years.

Fig. 1-1

The reproduction of the Brandenburg population (without the additionally adopted fledgling eagles) has demonstrated no negative influence of manipulation on the breeding rate. From 1993 to 2003 without the JVM it was at 0.64 fledglings per present pair (n=216) and from 2004-2008 with the JVM at 0.62 (n=116). In no case was it possible to link an abandonment to the removal of one of the fledglings. Six fledglings in 2007 and 17 in 2008 were equipped with GPS sensors in order to follow their greater fate; six adult birds were similarly equipped. The results to date show high losses during the first migration to the wintering grounds as a result of a broad spectrum of causes – from drowning and poisoning all the way to human predation. In addition a large distribution of the migration directions is apparent in an angle from the southwest to the southeast, in contrast to the very small southeasterly oriented migration path of the adult birds. The data on „unmanaged“ Lesser Spotted Eagles, which were fitted with transponders in addition to the above mentioned birds from the JVM project, show that young eagles migrate with less specific direction than adult birds.

Because of the size, dominance, and aggressiveness of the first-born the second-born, which hatches 3 to 4 days later, has no chance of survival (Photo: K. Graszynski & P. Sömmer)

Increase in the Procreation Rate through the JVM (in %) in Brandenburg

Source: LUA, 2009

18

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

1.2.5

Conservation of the Great Bustard

The three remaining territories of the Great Bustard in Germany lie in Brandenburg, in the Belziger Landschaftswiesen (Belzig Landscape Meadows), in the Havelländisches Luch (Havelland Bog), and, crossing the border to Saxony-Anhalt, in the Fiener Bruch (Fiener Swamp). In 2009 110 animals again live in these areas. In the middle of the 1990s the population, at 57 animals, was on the brink of extinction. They have only been able to survive thanks to

intense efforts to protect the bird and its habitats in these areas. In Brandenburg the sponsor of the project for Great Bustard conservation is the State Office for Environment with decisive support from the Förderverein Großtrappenschutz e. V. (Great Bustard Conservation Foundation), which is also active in Saxony-Anhalt. While efforts to hunt foxes and their ilk have not been able to improve the procreation rate, the fox-proof fences in the conservation areas have proven their worth.

Distribution of the Great Bustard

Map 1-7

Verbreitung der Großtrappe

e

Ha

NSG Havelländisches Luch

ve

l

Elb

Od

Brandenburg an der Havel SPA-Gebiet Fiener Bruch

Potsdam

Sp

ree

er

Frankfurt (Oder)

NSG Belziger Landschaftswiesen

Ne

Cottbus

iße

Quelle: LUA, 2009

Great Bustard (Photo: T. Langgemach)

Source: LUA, 2009

Fig. 1-2

Protection from Ground Predators in the Fenced-In Areas Supports the Increasing Reproduction

Breeding Success of the Great Bustard in the SPA „Havelländisches Luch“ 1990-2008

Fig. 1-3

Found breeding Recovered eggs

Fledglings

Released fledglings

Wild population

Source: LUA, 2009

Hatched chicks

Open land

Fledgling chicks

Protection fence

Source: LUA, 2009

Further Information:  State Bird Station  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/lbm1.c.218961.de

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

19

1.2.6 Bat Fauna Map 1-8

Number of Bat Species

Anzahl der Fledermausarten

nachgewiesene Arten im established species in ordnance survey map quadrants Messtischblattquadranten 11 species Art 22-3 - 3species Arten 44-6 - 6species Arten 77-9 - 9species Arten 10 und or more species 10 mehr Arten

Messtischblatt Ordnance map State border Landesgrenze District border Kreisgrenze

Quelle: LFA für Säugetierkunde des NABU Brandenburg - Berlin, LUA 1990 bis 2007 Source: Landesfachausschuss für Säugetierkunde des NABU Brandenburg/Berlin, LUA 2007

18 species of bats in Brandenburg are being studied. The findings about their mode of life, endangerment, and the necessary measures for their protection are the first results of the nationwide implementation of state standards following the international Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS) and the Fauna Flora Habitat Directive (FFH Directive). The material available for evaluation is highly variable for the individual species.

20

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

While there is ample Brandenburg-specific research data for certain bat species, such as the brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus), the grey long-eared bat (Plecotus austriacus), the greater mouse-eared bat (myotis myotis), the Common Noctule (Nyctalus noctula), and Nathusius‘ Pipistelle (Pipistrellus nathusii), other species, including the Northern bat (Eptesicus nilssonii), the Pond bat (Myotis dasycneme), and Bechstein‘s bat (Myotis bechsteinii) or the Soprano Pipistrelle – which was only morphologically separated from the Common Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) a few years ago – have not been sufficiently studied to date.  →  Fig. 1-4  →  Fig. 1-5

Brown long-eared bat

Fig. 1-4

Grey long-eared bat (Photos: J. Teubner)

Distribution of the Brown (left) and Grey (right) Long-eared Bats in Brandenburg in Wintering Grounds

Elb e

Elb e

l Ha ve

Od er

Land Berlin

l Ha ve

Spree

Landesgrenze State borders Coverage period: 1990-2007 Erfassungszeitraum: 1990-2007

Spree

Vorkommen im Occurrence in ordnance Messtischblattquadranten survey quadrants Landesgrenze State borders

iße Ne

iße Ne

Vorkommen im Occurrence in ordnance Messtischblattquadranten survey quadrants

Od er

Land Berlin

Erfassungszeitraum: 1990-2007 Coverage period: 1990-2007 Source: LUA, 2009

Fig. 1-5

Distribution of the Brown (left) and Grey (right) Long-eared Bats in Brandenburg in the Nursery Roost

Elb e

Elb e

l Ha ve

l Ha ve

Spree

Coverage period: 1990-2007 Erfassungszeitraum: 1990-2007

Spree

iße Ne

Landesgrenze State borders

Od er

Land Berlin

Vorkommen im Occurrence in ordnance Messtischblattquadranten survey quadrants Landesgrenze State borders

iße Ne

Vorkommen im Occurrence in ordnance Messtischblattquadranten survey quadrants

Od er

Land Berlin

Erfassungszeitraum: 1990-2007 Coverage period: 1990-2007

Source: LUA, 2009 Further Information:  Zippelsförde Nature Conservation Station  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/bb2.c.520635.de       Journal Nature und Landschaftspflege  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/lbm1.c.323058.de

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

21

1.2.7 Amphibian Protection Program 2009 The Brandenburg 2009 Amphibian Protection Program is particularly important for the European fire-bellied toad and the European tree frog. The European fire-bellied toad, European tree frog, and the great crested newt are representative of the amphibian populations that have also been shrinking in Germany for many years. •  Circa 32% of the world‘s currently known amphibian species (n=5,743) are in population endangerment, •  43 % show significant population reductions. •  34 species are known to be extinct and around 295 others are thought to be extinct (IUCN 2006). The current mapping effort is demonstrating large-scale population losses in the Berlin outskirts and in all of Brandenburg. Most strongly impacted are the populations in Havelland, on the Granseeplatte, in the southeast section of the Branimplatte, in the area of Fürstenwalde, and in Lower Lusatia.

Fig. 1-6

Distribution of the European Fire-bellied Toad in Brandenburg and Berlin since 1990

European fire-bellied toad (Photo: LUA, archive)

Habitats of the European Fire-bellied Toad in Lower Lusatia since 1990

Fig. 1-7

DahmeSpreewald Spree-Neiße Peitzer Teiche

lxe Ma

Elb e

Sp ree

l Ha ve

Cottbus

Od er

Land Berlin

Oberspreewald Lausitz

Ne iße

Talsperre Spremberg

Sedlitzer See

ze war Sch ter Els

Spree

iße Ne

Vorkommen im Population in ordnance Messtischblattquadranten survey quadrants

Senftenberger See

Fundorte Habitat

State border Landesgrenze

Erfassungszeitraum: seit 1990 Coverage period: since

Coverage period: since 1990 Erfassungszeitraum: seit 1990 Source: LUA, 2009

Fig. 1-8

Flowing waters

Source: LUA, 2009

Distribution of European Fire-Bellied Toad Spawning Grounds according to Biotope Type in Brandenburg

Ditches

Lakes

Ponds/ Backwaters

Smaller Water Bodies

Artificial Ponds

Sand and Gravel Pits

Source: LUA, 2009 Further Information:  Rhinluch Nature Watch  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/bb2.c.520969.de

22

Ordnance survey Meßtischblatt State border Landesgrenze District border Kreisgrenze

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

Peat Ditches

Marshes

1.2.8 Implementation of Species Conservation - CITES CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora •  Immediately valid EU species conservation agreement and the federal conservation law with the federal species conservation regulation provide the legal framework. •  For numerous vertebrates there are existing reporting requirements. •  Trade in many strictly protected species is subject to the EU legal requirement for marketing authorization. •  Obligatory identification and burden of proof for possession and trade in protected species must be observed.

breeders and owners of protected species in Brandenburg there are 155 pet stores, 54 zoos and animal parks, 43 housings for birds of prey, as well as 22 taxidermists, museums, animal nursing wards, circuses, and orchid dealers that are monitored by the LUA. To this one must add antique dealers, reptile leather dealers, caviar importers, Internet trade companies, including eBay Deutschland, whose trade in the parts and products of protected species is also subject to the species conservation regulations, as well as the trade in protected woods such as ramin or products that are traded under the guise of traditional Chinese medicine such as tiger bone powder or snake wine. Investigations into the Illegal Killing of Wild Animals In the period of 1990 to 2008 around 400 cases of illegal tracking and/or killing of protected wild birds were registered in the State of Brandenburg. 2008 also saw investigations into the illegal killing of birds of prey.

Registration 6,853 owners and breeders of protected species were registered in the Animal Population Register of the State Office for Environment as of January 1, 2009. Since the beginning of the 1990s the registration of new animal ownership and breeding has continually increased. In 2008 2,919 applications were registered. On the one hand this indicates the growing interest in animal ownership and breeding and, on the other, the improved compliance with the registration requirements as a result of checks and awareness work on the part of the LUA. Beyond private

In the role of agency for control, authorization, and prosecution for the trade in live and dead exemplars of protected plant and animal species as well as products derived from them the State Office for Environment is the contact for all application procedures, proof requirements, registrations, applications, and identification of CITES relevant species.

Small monkey species such as lemurs are unfortunately increasingly traded.

Snow leopards are also held in Brandenburg (Photo: LUA, archive)

Table 1-5

Benchmark Data for the Monitoring of Trade in Protected Species in Brandenburg 2000–2008

of which in 2008

Issued EC Marketing Authorizations

9,660

1,529

Issued Registration Certificates

12,544

1,390

approx. 120

18

Issuance of other authorizations, e.g. for identification exceptions, agreements of transfer, utilization certificates Performance of owner and dealer controls, incl. searches

415

40

Determination of offences

460

38

Initiation, accompaniment of criminal proceedings Seizures

live animals

compounds

60

8

150

28 parrots, finches, reptiles (as well as snake skins, crocodile leather bags, bird and mammal compounds, corals, sea horses, snake wine, small ivory parts)

130

bird eggs

9,000

hard corals

50 kg

Source: LUA, 2009

Further Information:  Implementation of Species Conservation CITES  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/lbm1.c.228189.de

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

23

1.2.9 Fig. 1-9

Cormorant Management Breeding Population and Colony Numbers of the Cormorant in Brandenburg 2001-2009

Breeding pairs

Colonies

Source: LUA, 2009

In 2008 2,596 cormorant pairs bred in 11 colonies and thereby 14 pairs less than the year before •  The number of fledglings between hatching and flying out of the nest declined in the colonies by an average of 0.89 fledglings per brood (41%), from 2.15 (n=674) to 1.26 (n=927) fledglings per breeding pair. •  In three colonies no successful broods were registered, in other small colonies there were massive losses due to raccoons. What can not currently be determined is whether the clearly recognizable, sustained stagnation in the breeding population since 2001 is a sign of population saturation due to limited natural resources or if it is due to the effects of reduced reproduction from focused disturbances, increasing predation, or significantly more shootings. Also, in the country at large the population has remained stagnant since 2004.

Cormorant (Photo: St. Fahl)

Colony at Wochowsee, Storkow in the district Oder-Spree (Photo: L. Dettmann)

24

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

1.2.10 Wolf Management in Brandenburg 1990 Evidence of Wolves innach Brandenburg since 1990 Map 1-9Wolfsnachweise

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Uckermark Prignitz

1994

1991

Niedersachsen

OstprignitzRuppin

Elb e

SachsenAnhalt

1991

Oberhavel

Werbellinsee

l

Potsdam Brandenburg an der Havel

Land Berlin

Od 1991 er 1991 1993 Märkisch-Oderland

Frankfurt (Oder)

Sp r ee

Schwielowsee

PotsdamMittelmark

POLEN

Barnim

Havelland Ha ve

Uckersee

Scharmützelsee

Oder-Spree

2000 Dahme- Schwielochsee SpreeSpreewald Neiße Cottbus 2007 Oberspree2006 waldElbe-Elster Lausitz

TeltowFläming

iße Ne

geschossen shot überfahren run over gefangen trapped Territoriale Wolfsvorkommen in

Territorial wolf populations in BrandenBrandenburg und angrenzenden burg and neighboring states (2009)

Bundesländern (2009)

Forest Wald

Quelle: LUA, 2009

Sachsen Source: LUA, 2009

The wolf, eradicated since the middle of the 19th century, has established itself in Brandenburg again in the last few years. Since 2009 there is also a first pack with young in the south. The wolf is under numerous threats, for example from street traffic and illegal killings. It is protected by conservation law and cannot be hunted. Several attacks of wolves on sheep show that the resettlement in the country is not without conflicts. Livestock owners must resort to special measures to protect their animals in order to avoid attacks. The state has initiated an education and management program to facilitate the acceptance of life with the wolf. It includes compensation guidelines as well as support for pastures safe from wolves and for the purchase of herd protection dogs. A consultation, education, and damage report system is being developed.

Wolf (Photo: V. Bologov)

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

25

1.3 Distribution and Population of Selected Protected Species and Habitats in Large Reserves 1.3.1 Inland Salt Meadows in Brandenburg Inland Salt Meadows

Map 1-10

Binnensalzstellen

Prenzlau Uckermark Elb e

Prignitz

Biosphärenreservat Schorfheide Chorin

Ostprignitz-Ruppin l ve Ha

Naturpark Westhavelland Brandenburg an der Havel Breitlingsee

1 Salt meadowsam on Salzstellen Oberuckersee Oberuckersee 2 Rietzer RietzerSee See 3 Gröbener GröbenerSee See 4 Mellensee Mellensee 5 Zossen Zossen

Rietz

PotsdamMittelmark

Barnim

Oberhavel Havelland Potsdam Werder (Havel)

Schwielowsee

Od er

Märkisch-Oderland

Land Berlin

Sp r ee

Frankfurt (Oder) Storkow Oder-Spree

Ludwigsfelde Zossen

Naturpark NutheNieplitz

Naturpark DahmeHeideseen

Schwielochsee

Teltow-Fläming Luckau

Storkow und Philadelphia

6 Storkow and Philadelphia

DahmeSpreewald

Elbe-Elster

State border Landesgrenze District border Kreisgrenze

OberspreewaldLausitz

ße ei

8 Luckauer Meadows LuckauerSalt Salzstellen

Cottbus N

Naturpark Niederlausitzer Landrücken

Groß Schauener Seenkette

7 Groß Schauener Seenkette

Beeskow

Talsperre Spremberg

Spree-Neiße

Quelle: LUA, 2009 Source: LUA, 2009

The interior salt meadows are semi-natural habitats that first arose through extensive use of meadows and pastures. Since 2006 the Brandenburg State Office for Environment, together with the foundation NaturSchutzFonds Brandenburg and the Heinz Sielmann Stiftung, are implementing the EU-LIFE project „Securing and Developing the Interior Salt Meadows of Brandenburg.“ By the beginning of 2010 relevant measures will be taken at eight project areas to allow for sustainable land use and stable local water management.  →  Map 1-10 At selected points, strongly frequented by tourists, information boards provide information about the development, vegetation, water management, and the meaning of salt meadows in the Europe-wide conservation network of Natura 2000. For example, an 8.5 km-long „Storkow Salt Path“ in the Dahme-Heideseen Nature Park invites visitors to discover the significant interior salt meadows near

26

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

Storkow. An observation tower along this trail offers a broad view over the Marstallwiesen and the Groß Schauener Seenkette.

Flood Control Station Marstallwiesen (Photo: H. Rößling)

Measures •  Eliminate succession: In some areas the salt meadows have disappeared under reeds and brush. The reed mowing and the removal of brush growth are the most important first aid measures there. They serve to support the less competitive plant species. •  Rehabilitate the water balance: In many areas the water balance is strongly affected by interference in the hydrological conditions. In these places the water levels have been raised and the irrigation systems have be dismantled or altered. •  Secure sustainable use: Management plans were developed to ensure the sustainable establishment of a suitable use. The goal is the establishment of sustainable and suitable forms of use. These also take into account the relevant agricultural aid programs. •  Observe development, control measures: In addition a monitoring and control program has been carried out. It serves to better understand the hydrology and chemistry of the salt meadows (water levels and saline levels) and to systematically study the fauna and flora of the salt meadows. The control program will also make it possible to check the success of the project‘s measures. •  Educate about salt meadows as habitats: All the project activities to protect the salt meadows have been made public. The project staff is present at regional events. In addition information can be found at the Nature Watch or in the participating large reserves. At selected point display boards inform visitors about the „salt meadow“ habitat.

1.3.2 Population Development of Rare, Protected Plant Species in Large Reserves The protection and care of semi-cultural formations such as wetland meadows and semi-arid grasslands, along with the indigenous plant and animal species, belongs to the „traditional“ conservation efforts, especially of volunteer conservation efforts. Often conservation groups or active individuals care for the numerous orchid wetland meadows over periods of years or even decades. This work is supported and made possible, as a rule, by conservation measures within the framework of contractual nature conservation. The results of this time-consuming labor, often done by hand, are seldom documented. Subsequently several examples of population developments of selected plant species in some large reserves will be presented.

Wild celery

Low weir bog meadows

Orchid meadows

Information board (Photos: H. Rößling)

Stocks of Large Pink, Devil‘s Bit Scabious, British yellowhead, and eight orchid species were observed on a limerich wetland meadow area in the Dahme-Heideseen Nature Park. The stocks of the Pyramidal Orchid go back to an earlier conservation culture from the 1980s of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Brandenburgische Orchideen (Brandenburg Orchid Working Group). In 1992 the area of the meadow was almost doubled by depositing lime-rich mineral clay, all within the framework of a conservation program. Today the area covers 0.25 hectares. Following the initial ruderals vegetation, the settlement of the „deposit area“ with orchids began in 2000. The stock of Western marsh orchid, once reduced to a count of five blooming exemplars, had grown a hundred-fold by 2008. The overall positive development due to professional management is clear to see, as it also is on the very basic transitional moor.  →  Table 1-6

Further Information:  Project results www.mugv.brandenburg.de/info/salzstellen

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

27

Orchis (Photo: H. Rößling)

Table 1-6

Western marsh orchid (Photo: F. Zimmermann)

Liparis loeselii (Photo: M. Flade)

Stock Development of Orchids in Two Moors of the Dahme-Heideseen Nature Park 1985

1990

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

176

459

300 5

200

302

150

200

509

418

644

281

429

551

5

3

8

10

2

5

0

2

2

2

4

11

10

2

27

30

90

2006

2007

2008

723

721

314

499

453

110

4

14

3

3

1

2

0

5

5

7

4

5

16

20

36

13

13

3

233

104

175

85

100

60

140

3

3

2

3

2

63

61

31

42

38

39

39

41

4

1

10

13

12

4

18

15

19

20

337

462

437

1,000

336

640

508

2

4

1,199

1,434

1,538

2,394

1,745

1,965

1,157

7

5

3

Lime-rich Wetland Meadows (Flower Meadows at Merkshorst) Western marsh orchid Dactylorhiza majalis

Old area Deposit area

Early marsh orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata

Old area

12

4

Deposit area Heath spotted orchid Dactylorhiza maculata

Old area

Military orchid Orchis militaris

Old area

0

2

8

40

84

31

43

36

200

Deposit area

0

Deposit area European Common Twayblade Listera ovata

Old area

Old area

Fragrant orchid Gymnadenia conopsea

Old area

Marsh Helleborine Epipactis palustris

Old area

0 8

14

42

0

0

9

11

13

250

290

612

850

Deposit area

0

Deposit area

0

0

0

Deposit area Sum

0

0

Deposit area Pyramidal orchid Anacampitis pyramidalis

1

0

0

2 556

13

Basic Transition Moor (Moor am Hintersee) Early marsh orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata

4

4

X

7

Marsh Helleborine Epipactis palustris

1

4

X

18

Liparis loeselii Common butterwort Pinguicula vulgaris Total

24

X

X

Oct 20

20

25

approx. 39

28

25

300

300

200

225

200

207

1,000

200

66

12

1,071

215

8

5

4

2

16

14

300

2,000

2,000 20

310

2,021

2,038

Source: LUA, 2009

The development of orchid stocks is being studied in the area of the Schlaubetal Nature Park, especially via conservation care measures.  →  Fig. 1-10 In this regard the stock development of three orchid species in the „lime beds“ is showing a clearly positive trend. The significant stock increases in the years 2006 and 2007

28

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

are seen as the result of alterations in the care measures, although in 2008 a clear decline was again noted. This single case is not representative of the orchid stocks in the nature park - in other areas the stock developments proceed with either fluctuating or even negative movement.  →  Table 1-7

Development of Orchid Stocks on Lime Beds in the Schlaubetal Nature Park 1997-2008

Fig. 1-10

Marsh Helleborine (Epipactis palustris)

Military orchid (Orchis militaris)

Early marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza incarnata)

Source: LUA, 2009, no count for the years 2001-2003

Survey of Orchids in the Schlaubetal Nature Park by the Nature Watch 2004-2008

Table 1-7 Area Ziegenlauch

Belenzlauch Nature Reserve

Belenzsee (Erlen)

Species

2004

2005

2006

2007

3

5

6

11

14

European Common Twayblade Listera ovata

424

300

200

148

150

Western marsh orchid Datylorhiza majalis

62

50

67

113

Early marsh orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata

7

21

51

8

5

Western marsh orchid Datylorhiza majalis

32

24

28

2

0

6

Western marsh orchid Datylorhiza majalis

Early marsh orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata

2008

7

63

9

European Common Twayblade Listera ovata

22

60

14

0

Trail on Belenzsee

Western marsh orchid Datylorhiza majalis

19

8

12

8

8

Scheune Börner

Western marsh orchid Datylorhiza majalis

8

2

3

0

0

16

Teufelslauch

Western marsh orchid Datylorhiza majalis

44

56

52

15

Schwerzko

Western marsh orchid Datylorhiza majalis

375

428

435

542

412

Großer Kahntopfen

European Common Twayblade Listera ovata

271

220

220

151

203

Seerandterasse Henzendorf

European Common Twayblade Listera ovata

19

16

17

15

17

Große Fläche Seerandterasse

European Common Twayblade Listera ovata

3

0

9

0

0

Western marsh orchid Datylorhiza majalis

11

18

22

4

5

Western marsh orchid Dactylorhiza maculata

14

23

29

12

8 358

Kieselwitzer Mühle Zaun Lime bed

Hammersee

Military orchid Orchis militaris

19

220

900

2,800

Early marsh orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata

1

250

6

180

Marsh Helleborine Epipactis palustris

9

Red Helleborine Cephalantera rubra

40

101

68

200

82

European Common Twayblade Listera ovata

14

39

13

35

100

6

26

8

6

7

14

18

240

1 6

Kl. Schinkensee

Red Helleborine Cephalantera rubra

0

Möllenwiese Nature Reserve

Western marsh orchid Datylorhiza majalis

19

Early marsh orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata

324

85

49

100

64

Total Surveyed Stocks

Western marsh orchid Datylorhiza majalis

573

591

513

700

585

Early marsh orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata

339

419

115

294

70

Heath spotted orchid Dactylorhiza maculata

14

23

29

12

8

Marsh Helleborine Epipactis palustris

9

0

240

0

6

753

335

473

349

486

Military orchid Orchis militaris

19

220

900

2,800

358

Red Helleborine Cephalantera rubra

40

107

94

208

88

1,747

1,695

2,364

4,363

1,601

European Common Twayblade Listera ovata

 Totals Source: LUA, 2009

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

29

It can be seen in figures 1-11 to 1-14, on the stock development of rare and endangered plant species in the Lower Oder Valley National Park, that the development has negative tendencies in the past few years. For some species, see here the Pheasant‘s Eye (Fig. 1-11), this reduction is connected to the constitution of the core areas and the difficulty of providing care there; the development

Fig. 1-11

Pheasant‘s Eye (Adonis vernalis) Stocks 1998-2008

therefore depicts the effects of a conservational conflict of interests that was decided in favor of natural development in the core areas of the national parks. In others, for instance for those species found in the Protection Zone 2 surrounding the national parks, it is clear that the conservation measures must be more intense or more specialized in order to maintain the stocks.

Fig. 1-12

Cross Gentian (Gentiana cruciata) Stocks 1998-2008

Plants (north)

Source: LUA, 2008

Martagon (Lilium martagon) Stocks 1997-2008

Source: LUA, 2008

Fig. 1-14

Three-toothed Orchid (Orchis tridentata) Stocks 1997-2008

Number of Plants

Fig. 1-13

Plants (south)

Source: LUA, 2008

Further Information:  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/lbm1.c.323193.de       http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/lbm1.c.323212.de

30

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

Source: LUA, 2008

1.3.3

Population Development of Rare and Protected Animal Species in Large Reserves

In the large reserves data is collected by the Nature Watch as well as volunteer naturalists on the population development of selected rare and/or endangered animal species. The selection of species and the labor involved in surveying is highly dependent upon the local conditions and conservation goals as well as upon the available personnel. The survey methods utilized are very different depending on the species group. The following should provide a few examples of this. Amphibian Population in Large Reserves For amphibians, to begin with, the breeding ponds are charted annually (e.g. for the European fire-bellied toad Bombina bombina and the European tree frog Hyla arborea), while a further measure is to perform an annual count of the animals crossing the amphibian protection fences along the streets (carried over the street by helpers) in the large reserves. One example of this from the StechlinRuppiner Land National Park is given here. In total the numbers have increased dramatically - this is a typical effect in amphibian populations for which the loss-

Fig. 1-15

es due to street traffic are effectively mitigated for longer periods of time. Nonetheless these numbers are, as a rule, not representative of the total large reserve; other populations that are not intersected by streets can show different or even opposite trends. Mammal Monitoring Quantitative surveys are often difficult with nocturnal mammals. In these cases indirect proof or sample systems are necessary. One example of this is the monitoring of the European otter (Lutra lutra), which is run by the Nature Watch in all large reserves. Predetermined sample spots are checked, as a rule, four times annually for traces of the animals (foot prints, feces, etc.). In the table the results from the Schlaubetal Nature Park are given as an example. In spite of the relatively crude monitoring method it is clear that the European otter is in decline in the nature park. The number of sample spots with positive results has reduced to less than continuously since 2001. It is now the goal of special studies to determine the causes thereof and to introduce countermeasures (e.g. mitigation of frequently used street crossings through appropriate building measures)

Survey of Amphibians at Protection Fences along the Streets in the Stechlin-Ruppiner Land Nature Park

Common toads

Brown frogs (Moor frog, European common frog)

Common newt

Green frogs

Crested newts

Source: LUA, 2009

Table 1-8

Results of the European Otter Monitoring in the Schlaubetal Nature Park

Year

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

73

73

70

45

28

25

37

30

3

5

2

14

18

17

16

17

Monitoring spots with evidence of otters Total detections Abandoned monitoring spots, formerly occupied

Source: LUA, 2009

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

31

Survey of Breeding Birds in the Large Reserves For breeding birds a distinction is made between the standardized monitoring of common species via the methods of point count surveys or line mapping along predetermined routes and the exact population surveying of individual, rare and/or endangered species. For these species additional information about reproduction is of great value

Fig. 1-16

and is often necessary for the determination of the state of conservation. As an example figure 1-16 presents the population development of the white stork in the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve. The white stork belongs to those select species for which annual dependable and almost complete data on reproduction is available.

Development of the Breeding Population of the White Stork in the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve

Fledglings that left the nest

Nest pairs, absolute

Linear (fledglings that left the nest)

Linear (nest pairs)

Nest pairs with fledglings

Source: LUA, 2008

Further Information:  Environmental Data Report 2008  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/bb2.c.431775.de

32

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

1.3.4 Ecosystem Environment Observation in the Biosphere Reserves Observation Areas for Ecosystem Environment Observation

Map 1-11

Ökosystemare Umweltbeobachtung

4% 5% Biosphärenreservat Flusslandschaft Elbe 32% Elb e

Fläche: 533 km 2

7%

34% 25%

Biosphärenreservat Schorfheide-Chorin

Anzahlof derobservation Beobachtungsflächen Number areas Wälder/Forsten: Forests: 88 Seen/Stillgewässer: Lakes/still waters: 00// 44 Fließgewässerabschnitte: 13 Sections of flowing waters: 13 Naturnahe Moore: Near-natural moors: 11 (Aufgelass.) Moorgrünland: (Abandoned) moor grassland: 11 (Aufgelass.) mineralisches (Abandoned) mineralized grassland: 5 Grasland: Total: 325 Summe:

Fläche: 1292

Breitlingsee

10%

48%

29%

Anzahl der Beobachtungsflächen Number of observation areas Wälder/Forsten: 21 Forests: 21 Seen/Stillgewässer (Sölle) 30/ 430 / 4 Lakes/still waters (ponds): Naturnahe Moore: 4 Near-natural moors: 4 (Aufgelass.) Moorgrünland: 3 3 (Abandoned) moor grassland: (Aufgelass.) mineralisches (Abandoned) mineralized grassland: 4 Grasland: 4 Field: 5 Acker: 5 Total: 71 Summe: 71

32

Land Berlin

Hav e l

km 2

6%

Sp ree

Schwielowsee

Ode

Area percentages and Flächenanteile und observation areas since 1999

3% 8%

Beobachtungsflächen seit 1999 Wald Forest

38%

Cultivated land Ackerland

Grünland Grassland

Biosphärenreservat Spreewald Fläche: 475 km 2

Anzahlof derobservation Beobachtungsflächen Number areas Wälder/Forsten: Forests: 88 Fließgewässerabschnitte: 30 Sections of flowing waters: 30 (Aufgelass.)moor Moorgrünland: (Abandoned) grassland: 44 (Aufgelass.) mineralisches (Abandoned) mineralized grassland: 5 Grasland: Fields: 25 Acker: Total: 492 Summe:

Landesgrenze State border

ße ei

Siedlung/Sonstiges Settlements/other

24%

Schwielochsee

N

Waters Gewässer

27%

r

Talsperre Spremberg

49

Quelle: LUA, 2009 Source: LUA, 2009

The main goal of the ecosystem environment observation (ÖUB) in the Brandenburg Biosphere Reserves (BR) is the comprehensive, long-term survey, documentation, and assessment of the condition of typical regional ecosystems on representative sample areas. The data serve to assess the development of selected ecosystem types as well as being a reference for research and monitoring projects. To this end the ÖUB has a cross-medial orientation and includes both the observation of various protected goods and landscape and environment parameters as well as statements on nature conservation goals.

Within the framework of an environmental observation, the effort of which is divided between the three biosphere reserves and national partners, the division of the long-term observation areas into sections and ecosystem types to be monitored was carried out, as depicted in the map, while taking the particularities of the BR into account. Results from the first time periods in the Schorfheide-Chorin BR and the Spreewald BR are available for the 1999-2009 and are documented in technical papers (Issue 94 and Issue 112).

Further Information:  Brandenburg‘s Natural Landscapes - Research/Projects  http://www.mluv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/lbm1.c.339122.de       Home page of the Fachhochschule Eberswalde  http://lanuweb.fh-eberswalde.de/oeub/

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

33

1.4 Landscape Planning Status of the Landscape Framework Planning

Map 1-12

Stand der Landschaftsrahmenplanung

Uckermark Prignitz

Biospärenreservat Flusslandschaft Elbe Brandenburg

Biosphärenreservat SchorfheideChorin

OstprignitzRuppin

Nationalpark Unteres Odertal

Oberhavel Barnim Havelland

Landschaftsrahmenpläne für Landscape Framework Plans for the Counties, kreisfreie IndependentStädte Cities, Landkreise, and Large Reserves und Großschutzgebiete Landschaftsrahmenplan Landscape Framework Plan

Potsdam

Brandenburg an der Havel

Märkisch-Oderland

Land Berlin

Frankfurt (Oder)

PotsdamMittelmark

Oder-Spree TeltowFläming

inim development Entwurf established aufgestellt

DahmeSpreewald Biosphärenreservat Spreewald

Updating Fortschreibung

Bearbeitung ininprocess established aufgestellt

Großschutzgebietsgrenze

Elbe-Elster

Large reserve border

Oberspreewald Lausitz

SpreeNeiße Cottbus

Landesgrenze State border Kreisgrenze District border Quelle: LUA, 2009 Source: LUA, 2009

Landscape Framework Plans (LRP) are specialized plans for conservation and present the regional requirements and measures of nature conservation and landscape conservation. They are established according to § 6 of the Brandenburgisches Naturschutzgesetz (BbgNatSc hG) (Brandenburg Nature Conservation Law) for the area of a district, an independent city, as well as for the biosphere reserves and national parks; they also introduce the concerns of nature and landscape conservation into regional plans. As of November 2009 12 of the 14 districts and four independent cities have an approved LRP. Two districts have

updated the LRP for the whole district area. A reserve-specific LRP has been established for the three biosphere reserves Spreewald, Schorfheide-Chorin, and Elbe-Brandenburg River Landscape. According to the law regarding the Environmental Sustainability Test (UVPG) a Strategic Environment Test (SUP) must be conducted for landscape frameworks and landscape plans. Support for a nationally consistent implementation of the SUP is provided by the guideline „Reference on the Implementation of the Strategic Environment Test for Landscape Framework Planning in the State of Brandenburg.“

Further Information:  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/140444

34

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

Map 1-13

Status of Communal Landscape Planning/Area Pools

Stand der kommunalen Landschaftsplanung / Flächenpools

Uckermark

Prignitz OstprignitzRuppin

Oberhavel

Barnim Havelland

Landscape plan Landschaftsplan in inprogress Bearbeitung draft available Entwurf liegt

vor

established aufgestellt

Brandenburg an der Havel

Potsdam

Land Berlin

Oder-Spree

1. Fortschreibung

1st update in progress/in i.Bearb./i.Entw. development

1. Fortschreibung 1st update established aufgestellt 2. Fortschreibung 2nd update in progress/in development i.Bearb./i.Entw. 2. Fortschreibung 2nd update established aufgestellt

MärkischOderland

PotsdamMittelmark

Frankfurt (Oder)

TeltowFläming DahmeSpreewald

Flächenpool für Area pools for municipalities/ Gemein/Ämter gov’t agencies den in inpreparation Vorbereitung

SpreeNeiße

in inprogress Bearbeitung in inimplementation Umsetzung State border Landesgrenze District border Kreisgrenze

Elbe-Elster

Agency border Amtsgrenze

Oberspreewald Lausitz

Cottbus

Municipality border Gemeindegrenze

Quelle: LUA, 2009 Source: LUA, 2009

Landscape plan (LP) The local goals, requirements, and measures of nature conservation and of landscape conservation are represented for the entire area of the municipality in landscape plans by municipalities according to § 7 BbgNatSchG . The contents of landscape plans are taken up as representations in the area use plans with consideration taken for the other concerns. Landscape plans are established on the basis of the landscape program and the landscape framework plans. Area pools are modern, communal or regional concepts of nature conservation that are supposed to allow for the flexible and effective implementation of impact regulation.

According to § 14 BbgNatSchG those responsible for impacts to nature or landscape can meet their compensation requirement by having those executed measures of nature conservation and landscape conservation of their choice credited to them. These measures and the areas that are used for them are combined into measure or area pools. As of April 2009 86% of the state has landscape plans (LP). In Brandenburg there are 23 communal area pools, of which 19 are led by initiatives of the municipalities while four a handled at the agency level. Eight of the area pools have already been implemented and therefore are actively serving to overcome the effects of impacts.

Further Information:  http://www.mugv.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/bb2.c.521115.de

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

35

1.5

Conservation Law

The State Office for Environment, as the representative of public interest and as the state authority on nature and landscape conservation, is regularly involved in planning and authorization processes and makes recommendations. The recommendations for the consideration of nature and landscape conservation concerns are essential bases for deciding on the conservation law admissibility of plans for the authorization agencies. These include statements regarding •  impact regulation according to §§ 10 ff. of the Brandenburgisches Naturschutzgesetz (BbgNatSchG), •  special species protection under § 42 of the Bundesnaturschutzgesetz (BNatSchG) (Federal Conservation Law), •  FFH impact assessment under § 26c and •  the relevant reserve areas under §§ 19 ff. of the BbgNatSchG. In addition to the requirements for conservation and law that have been expanded in recent years according to EU plans, the total number of projects being followed has increased significantly in years past. While in 2004 around 1,000 official statements were given, in 2008 the number rose to a total of 1,466. Among these, authorization procedures according to conservation law (877) took precedence over counsel for official statements regarding urban development statutes (581).  →  Fig. 1-17 The number of official statements for 2009 (30.09.2009) for authorization procedures according to conservation law has already reached 734, with 419 for urban development statutes and 9 for other planning measures. In counsel regarding authorization procedures according to conservation law emissions control permits represent the majority of all official statement with 55%. Particular points of emphasis among the authorization procedures according to emissions control law are the authorization procedures for wind energy and biogas facilities, while highway construction was in the forefront of authorization procedures regarding highway regulation. Urban development statutes effect residential and commercial development, but increasingly photovoltaic facilities as well. The focus of the assessment of these projects and plans, along side the impact assessment, is on the species-specific regulations as well the evaluation of compatibility with the European reserve areas Natura 2000 in the framework of the FFH* Impact Assessment for the FFH and SPA** areas.

* FFH – Fauna Flora Habitat ** SPA – Special Protection Area Guidelines

36

Environmental Data Brandenburg 2008/09  Nature

Percent of Official Statements according to Procedure Type in 2008

Fig. 1-17 Total 1,466, of which

Authorization procedures according to conservation law Urban development statutes Other plans

Source: LUA, 2009