Urban areas are increasingly affected by climate change, densification, and the loss of natural habitats. In this context, urban trees play an important role: they cool the air, filter pollutants, provide shade, and offer habitat for a variety of animal, plant, and fungal species. However, their ecological value depends on both their own health and the diversity of the organisms associated with them.

This doctoral project investigates the biodiversity associated with urban trees in Karlsruhe and the surrounding urban forests. The focus is on the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) for monitoring, an innovative method for assessing biodiversity. By analyzing DNA collected from tree bark, it is possible to identify species that are otherwise difficult to detect. This allows the study of the diversity and composition of the bacteria, fungi, insects, and vertebrates associated with the trees.

The project has three main research objectives. First, it aims to identify the biotic and abiotic factors that influence species richness and community composition. These include, for example, seasons, tree species, site characteristics, and tree size. Second, it analyzes the communities identified from eDNA regarding their functional characteristics, taxonomic structure, and phylogenetic relationships, providing insights into the ecological and evolutionary dimensions of urban tree biodiversity. Third, it examines the relationship between structural tree characteristics – particularly tree-related microhabitats such as cavities, bark cavities, and deadwood structures – and the actual biodiversity patterns derived from eDNA data. This helps to evaluate how diversity and abundance of habitat structures influence actual biodiversity.

By combining these novel approaches to biodiversity assessment with structural and ecological tree characteristics, this project provides a substantial contribution to the understanding of urban tree ecology. The results will contribute to the development of strategies for sustainable urban tree management, thereby helping to strengthen the resilience of urban forests, secure biodiversity in cities, and ensure the long-term provision of ecosystem services.

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