Under the motto “Be a Researcher for a Day”, the second BioBlitz took place on May 9 and 10, 2025, in Würzburg as part of the EU research project ConservES. The aim of the event was to record biodiversity in agricultural landscapes together with citizens, scientists, conservationists, and farmers, while also raising awareness for biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
A BioBlitz is a time-limited survey of species diversity in a specific area — in this case, within 24 hours. Equipped with a “researcher’s kit,” participants could actively explore various field stations and identify plants and animals under the guidance of experts. In a hands-on and engaging way, knowledge was shared about natural habitats such as hedgerows, orchards, flower strips, and arable fields, while also contributing valuable scientific data. Nearly 130 people took part in the event, including around 90 citizens (among them a school class with 25 primary school children) and 40 experts and volunteers — without whom the BioBlitz would not have been possible.
Preliminary evaluations show that 117 plant species, 353 animal species, and 1 fungus have been digitally recorded so far — about 60 more species than in the first BioBlitz in 2023. The collected species lists are being analyzed as part of the ConservES project and fed into Bavaria’s biodiversity database Karla.Natur. This database helps document changes in species composition and analyze the effects of climate change and land use.
The program offered a wide range of participation opportunities:
- Self-guided discovery tours through agricultural habitats and across the university campus allowed for individual exploration with interactive stations for young and old alike.
- Guided excursions with experts at various times of day and night demonstrated practical methods of biodiversity research.
- An interactive exhibition and a high-level lecture series deepened knowledge about biodiversity and its protection in agriculture and settlements.
ConservES-Project
The international ConservES project investigates how biodiversity-enhancing measures — such as flower strips or structurally diverse landscape elements — work across different European climate zones. Using a living lab approach, the project develops viable solutions for species-rich and sustainable agricultural landscapes together with stakeholders from science, agriculture, politics, and society. DLG e.V. and the University of Würzburg are the German partners in this consortium.
Further information about the project and the BioBlitz results:
ConservES - Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology
And on LinkedIn: ConservES project: Übersicht | LinkedIn
