Leipzig canopy forest crane project in cooperation with iDIV

Investigation of pollen diversity at different altitudes in cooperation with the Auwald Consortium of the University of Leipzig and the iDIV

Tree canopies are one of the most biodiverse habitats in Central Europe. Protein-rich pollen can provide an enormous food base for epiphytic-living organisms. In this project, we investigate seasonal pollen distribution in an urban riparian forest at different elevations. Durham pollen traps were placed at three different elevations and changed weekly to analyze seasonal pollen availability in the canopy. Samples will be analyzed using metabarcoding. The goal of this scientific subproject is to assess intrinsic pollen diversity in tree canopies at different elevations and to analyze and understand ecosystem functions and interactions.

Image: Ronny Richter
Durham pollen traps in the Leipzig floodplain forest at different altitudes.

Leipzig canopy forest crane project Website