Remarkable Biodiversity Found on Urban Median Strips: Observations from the ‘Urban Green’ Project

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More insect diversity

Since 2017, the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin has been observing the diversity of insects on the green areas of the median strips of selected streets in Europe’s “green capital” as part of the “Urban Green” project. According to the museum, the results are remarkable: at all three locations, the researchers found wonderfully networked biotopes and a biodiversity that was well above expectations. Species that were thought to be lost, such as the locust sand wasp, have also been documented. The project will further advance the change in awareness towards more ecological diversity, says the Museum of Natural History. The district authorities, for example, now commit to mowing only once a year in order to preserve biodiversity.