biodiversity – Page 2 – ABOL – The Austrian Barcode of Life

TdA Nockberge - Bärengrube. Photo: O. Macek

ABOL-BioBlitzes in Tyrol and the Carinthian Nockberge Mountains

On July 7 and 8, the ABOL team was present at two simultaneous events: the Day of Biodiversity in Tyrol and the GEO-Day of Nature in Carinthia.

At the Day of Biodiversity in Tyrol, in Leutasch, four very different and exciting study areas were examined for their biodiversity. In a moor area with orchid-rich fens and an intact mountain pine high moor, night was turned into day with numerous light traps – at least for the nocturnal insects and their researchers. In addition, many fireflies, which are rarely observed in such high numbers today, lit our way. The numerous butterfly experts were also present high on the mountain in the direction of Arnkopf, at a species-rich meadow and an interesting gravel area. The beautiful weather on Saturday contributed to rich observations of various animal groups. The final event on Saturday afternoon was well attended and very informative and interesting with a very well-prepared photo presentation which was put together in a very short time. Experts from various fields contributed briefly, from the geology of the study area, a short introduction to iNaturalist to a poem about a moth (Baptria tibiale).

First results were presented, there was a lot to find on the four survey plots: 11 orchid species, about 200 different butterflies, including the rare dusky large blue (Phengaris nausithous), more than 50 bird species, including black grouse, golden eagle and tawny owl, some recordings on the bat-detector and sundew and moorland hawker in the moorland. As part of the post-processing, some more exciting species will surely be added to the species list. Also, the culinary art and the interaction among the experts wasn’t missed out, before we started the long journey home, which was definitively worth it! Many thanks to the organizing team!

The other part of the ABOL team took part in the GEO Day of Nature in the Nockberge. With the ‘Bärengrube’ (translated ‘bear-cave’) near Innerkrems we went this year to north-exposed sites of the biosphere reserve, with a diverse geology and soils, from dolomite to mica schist and numerous boggy areas. Not in every organism group the call for ‘bear’ associations could be served as elegantly as the botanical Lycopodium, a pun that loses its punch line in English. Not even the butterfly experts were successful due to the lack of Arctiinae sightings. The familiar atmosphere and the perfect weather led to the fact that nevertheless nobody was grieved. Moreover, the sightings of all three grouse species consoled even the melancholic about the absence of species like Contarinia baeri.

Our thanks go again to the organizers of E.C.O., the biosphere reserve team and the Ökoteam for the perfect organization and for opening the wide field of bear puns.

Impressions from Leutasch in Tyrol:

Impressions from the Nockberge:

20. July, 2023/by Michaela Sonnleitner

ABOL BioBlitz at the ÖEG insect camp 2023

ABOL BioBlitz, Highlights, Meetings

This year ABOL participated for the second time in the ÖEG insect camp with a BioBlitz. This year the four-day camp took place in the picturesque scenery of the Salzburger Kalkhochalpen of the Naturepark Weißbach and led us to species-rich mountain meadows, forest edges, swamp meadows up to alpine lawns.

Before starting into the field, the variety of different fields of expertise became apparent in the form of the stored equipment: Leaf vacuums for bugs, cicadas and various hymenoptera, beetle traps, luminous traps for moths and other nocturnal animals, hoverfly-, wild bee-, butterfly- & dragonfly-nets, sieves for millipedes, mosquito traps and much more. All framed by identification literature, binoculars, taxidermy utensils and a wide variety of collecting tubes.

In a short ABOL-presentation, the relevance of an Austria-wide DNA reference database and DNA-based identification approaches were presented. Interested participants could pick up tubes prepared by the ABOL team to barcode their collected animals. A Malaise trap for a metabarcoding approach was also set up again.

The days were very suitable for professional exchange and a common barbecue with an enjoyable evening in the naturepark rounded off the program wonderfully.

It can be said that the goal of the ÖEG, the promotion, documentation and representation of scientific entomology in Austria, was fully achieved during the four days. A big thank-you to the youth referent of the ÖEG Elisabeth Huber and the team of the Naturepark Weißbach, the schedule was flawless! Thank you very much for having us!

Impressions:

ÖEG Insect camp 2023. Hochgrub, Leoganger Steinberge. Alpine habitats. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

ÖEG insect camp 2023. Rock face on the way to Asenmoos. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

ÖEG insect camp 2023. Rock face on the way to Asenmoos. Photo: V. Kargl

ÖEG Insect camp 2023. Hochgrub, Leoganger Steinberge. Clematis alpina. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

ÖEG insect camp 2023. Rhyssa persuasoria, sabre wasp. Photo: V. Kargl

ÖEG Insect camp 2023. Falleck. Species rich meadow. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Hochgrub, Leooganger Steinberge. Alpines Untersuchungsgebiet. Foto: M. Sonnleitner

ÖEG Insect camp 2023. Hochgrub, Leoganger Steinberge. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

ÖEG Insect camp 2023. Niedergrub, Leoganger Steinberge. Species rich pasture. Foto: M. Sonnleitner

ÖEG Insect camp 2023. Barbecue at the Weisbach creek. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

ÖEG insect camp 2023. Enallagma cyathigerum. Photo: V. Kargl

ÖEG Insect camp 2023. Asenmoos. Wet habitats, marshes. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

ÖEG Insect Camp 2023. Barbecue at Weißbach, Hintertal. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

ÖEG insect camp 2023. Rainbow in Lofer. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

ÖEG Insect camp 2023. Falleck. Steep meadow. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Hochgrub, Leooganger Steinberge. Alpine habitat. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

ÖEG insect camp 2023. Grasenberg near Weißbach. Steep, rocky windbreak area. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

ÖEG Insect camp 2023. Hochgrub, Leoganger Steinberge. Entomologist working in an alpine habitat. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

ÖEG insect camp 2023. Malaise trap for metabarcoding. Falleck – steep meadow. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

ÖEG Insect camp 2023. Niedergrub. Leoganger Steinberge. Pasture with Primula farinosa. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

ÖEG Insect camp 2023. Hochgrub, Leoganger Steinberge. Entomologists working in an alpine habitat. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

3. July, 2023/by Michaela Sonnleitner

M. Sonnleitner

The first two ABOL BioBlitzes of 2023!

ABOL BioBlitz, Highlights, Meetings, Veranstaltungen

The first two Days of Biodiversity took this year place in Vienna (allotment Villaweg) and Lower Austria (Klosterneuburg, Biosphere Reserve Wienerwald).

In Klosterneuburg, we were exploring species-rich meadows, natural Wienerwald brooks, or the biosphere reserve core zone “Dombachgraben” in fantastic early summer weather. In Vienna, too, the weather left nothing to be desired – only the floodlights of the nearby soccer field competed in the evening with the insect light traps and bat catching, including a night tour. Nevertheless, a Viennese peacock moth (Saturnia pyri) could be observed at a light trap, a highlight for everyone!

While in Vienna all sites in and around the Villaweg allotment were easily accessible on foot, the area in Klosterneuburg, on the northern edge of the Biosphere Reserve Wienerwald, extended over several square kilometers and a shuttle service was provided. The species search started on Friday morning and ended on Saturday noon in a festival of biodiversity with information booths and expert excursions!

Even though DNA barcoding may appear to be a more complex topic at first glance, our ABOL information booth was well visited and we could inform visitors about the different activities of ABOL as well as win experts for the ABOL BioBlitz! At this point we would like to thank the organizers for the great organization!

Impressions:

Day of Biodiversity in Klosterneuburg - collecting species

7. June, 2023/by Michaela Sonnleitner

Days of Biodiversity 2023

Highlights, Meetings, Veranstaltungen

The Days of Biodiversity will be organized this year as a joint conference by ABOL, BOKU, Network Biodiversiy, NOBIS and ZooBot at BOKU in Vienna, so there will be no separate ABOL conference in 2023. The program will be very diverse and is intended to appeal to science, stakeholders and the general public. Planning is in full progress, we’ll keep you informed!

28. March, 2023/by Michaela Sonnleitner

9th ABOL meeting 2022 – a retrospect

Highlights, Meetings

After 2 years of virtual conferences, we were very happy to be able to hold the ABOL annual conference physically again this year. On November 18^th the time had come. The 9^th ABOL conference took place in the Haus für Natur, Museum Niederösterreich, after the 5^th Austrian Biodiversity Forum. As usual, the lecture program was exciting and very broad in topics. The inspiring keynote lecture by Natasha de Vere from the University of Copenhagen on pollen metabarcoding was one of the morning highlights, followed by lectures on different applications of metabarcoding and eDNA barcoding. We were also very pleased to welcome Cyprian Katongo from the University of Zambia to the ABOL meeting and hear about planned DNA barcoding activities in Zambia. The focal points in the afternoon were the detection of disease vectors using DNA barcoding, but also various groups of organisms such as molluscs, butterflies, gentians and the impressive dung fungi. We would like to thank all the speakers for their exciting contributions and the participants for the lively discussions. Unfortunately, with around 55 participants, the conference was less well attended than the conferences before the pandemic.
Special thanks also go to the Museum Niederösterreich for the good cooperation and our sponsors Microsynth, Eppendorf and MDPI Diversity.

Impressions of the meeting (Photos: M. Sonnleitner):

Gruppenfoto ABOL 2022

Irmgard Greilhuber, Univ. Wien. ABOL 2022

Cyprian Katongo, Univ. of Zambia. ABOL 2022

Bettina Thalinger, Univ. Innsbruck. ABOL 2022

Christian Bräuchler, ABOL project leader, NHM Vienna. ABOL 2022

Vid Svara, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences. ABOL 2022

Nikola Szucsich, ABOL manager, NHM. ABOL 2022

Elisabeth Haring, ABOL project leader, NHM Vienna. ABOL 2022

Natasha de Vere, Univ. Copenhagen. ABOL 2022

Stephan Koblmüller, Univ. Graz. ABOL 2022

Andreas Tribsch, Univ. Salzburg. ABOL 2022

24. November, 2022/by Michaela Sonnleitner

DNA barcoding workshop - lab work. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

ABOL goes Zambia

Highlights, Workshops

DNA barcoding workshop at the University of Zambia

In early October, ABOL held a DNA barcoding workshop at the University of Zambia (UNZA) in Lusaka together with Prof. Cyprian Katongo. The workshop – as part of the OeAD cooperation development research project “DNA barcoding of Zambia’s biodiversity” (led by the University of Graz) – aimed to teach students and employees the method and applications of DNA barcoding. The workshop started with two keynote lectures by Prof. Christian Sturmbauer (Univ. Graz). This was followed by a series of lectures on various aspects of biodiversity and DNA barcoding, held by Stephan Koblmüller (Univ. Graz), Cyprian Katongo (UNZA), Nikola Szucsich and Michaela Sonnleitner (ABOL coordination). After the strenuous introduction, the sampling trip to the Kafue and Zambezi rivers was certainly a highlight for the approximately 30 participants. Equipped with nets, the participants tried to catch different species of dragonflies and damselflies, which was very successful after a short training phase. Odonata are good indicator organisms for the quality of water bodies and are therefore well suited for starting a biodiversity survey. Suitable identification literature is also available. In addition, fish specimens for sampling were provided by the Department of Fisheries. The next day, tissue samples were taken from the dragonflies and fish and the animals were dry mounted/prepared for storage. The DNA extraction was carried out in the laboratory of veterinary medicine under the guidance of Lukas Zangl (University of Graz, Universalmuseum Joanneum) and Stephan Koblmüller. The last two days were dedicated to data analysis and interpretation. The participants were able to edit sequence data provided by the course leaders, calculate phylogenetic trees, etc. The participants were enthusiastic and committed to the task until the very end. We hope that the workshop has contributed to establish DNA barcoding as an approach to investigate Zambia’s rich biodiversity.

Impressiones from the workshop:

14. November, 2022/by Michaela Sonnleitner

Hochstaudenflur, Kölnbreinsperre, TdA Hohe Tauern. Foto: M. Sonnleitner

ABOL BioBlitz in the National Park Hohe Tauern

ABOL BioBlitz, Citizen Science, Highlights, Meetings

Once again this year, the Biodiversity Day in the National Park Hohe Tauern was not accompanied by good weather. With gusts of wind, cold, rain and occasional windows of sunshine, dedicated experts collected biodiversity data again last weekend – this year in the Carinthian part of the National Park in the Maltatal. The high altitudes around the Kölnbrein reservoir were investigated, but also the lower altitudes of the municipality of Malta, lighth traps were set up and bats were mapped with nets and batcorders. Due to the adverse conditions, diurnal insects were mainly collected in the short sunny windows, especially on the last day. The ABOL coordination team was there in full force and, as in previous years, will submit samples for DNA barcoding as part of an ABOL BioBlitz. We would like to thank everyone who took part! Furthermore, we thank the National Park team for the excellent organisation and support!
Congratulations on the Hohe Tauern Biodiversity Report, which was presented at the final meeting (-> download here).

Report from the Organizer (in GERMAN only): -> here

Impressions from the study area:

Großelend valley with. Kölnbrein reservoir. TdA Hohe Tauern. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Angelica sylvestris. Kölnbrein reservoir. TdA Hohe Tauern. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Cirsium heterophyllum. Kölnbrein reservoir. TdA Hohe Tauern. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Kölnbrein reservoir. TdA Hohe Tauern. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Malta-Hochalmstraße and reservoir Galgenbichl. TdA Hohe Tauern. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Mitopus morio. Kölnbrein reservoir. TdA Hohe Tauern. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Light trap at the Hotel Malta. TdA Hohe Tauern. Photo: O. Macek

Großelend valley. Kölnbrein reservoir. TdA Hohe Tauern. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Großelend valley. TdA Hohe Tauern. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Großelend valley with Hochalmspitze. Kölnbrein reservoir. TdA Hohe Tauern. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Goats. Kölnbrein reservoir, Malta valley. TdA Hohe Tauern. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Meeting of experts in Malta. TdA Hohe Tauern. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Tenthredo notha, sawfly. Kölnbrein reservoir. TdA Hohe Tauern. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Campanula scheuchzeri. Kölnbrein reservoir. TdA Hohe Tauern. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Parnassius phoebus, Kölnbreinsperre, TdA Hohe Tauern. Foto: M. Sonnleitner

Species rich site at Kölnbreinsperre, TdA Hohe Tauern. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Kölnbrein creek. Malta valley. TdA Hohe Tauern. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Malta-Hochalmstraße. TdA Hohe Tauern. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

3. August, 2022/by Michaela Sonnleitner

Geo-Tag Nockberge 2022; St. Lorenzen at Reichenau. Photo: C. Leeb

ABOL-BioBlitz at the GEO Nature Day in the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve

ABOL BioBlitz, Citizen Science, Veranstaltungen

This year’s GEO Nature Day in the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve was dedicated to wet habitats around St. Lorenzen ob Reichenau. Consequently, there was also some moisture from above on the first day – the herpetologists thanked them with proof of the complete amphibian inventory, with alpine salamander, alpine newt, common toad and common frog. On Saturday, when the weather was beautiful, we went to the peat bog of St Lorenzen, among other sites. Designated as Ramsar protection area in 2011, dragonfly species were also found here for the first time during the Geo-day in the Nockberge. Although the moor, with a high proportion of rarities, is considered a relatively species-poor habitat, thanks to the many experts, around 1000 species were again recorded this year.

The Carinthia University of Applied Sciences used various types of traps, which, for the first time for the GEO Nature Day, are to be analyzed using DNA barcoding. In addition, environmental samples were taken to test an eDNA approach, which is likely to significantly increase the number of species detected.

A great thanks to the organizers and all participants in the ABOL BioBlitz!

A few impressions from the study area:

Geo-Tag Nockberge 2022, mosses and lichens on rock. Photo: N. Szucsich

Geo-Tag Nockberge 2022. Leucorrhinia dubia. Photo: N. Szucsich

Geo-Tag Nockberge 2022 - Alpine newt. Photo: C. Leeb

Geo-Tag Nockberge 2022. Light trap. Photo: N. Szucsich

Geo-Tag Nockberge 2022. Peat bog. Photo: N. Szucsich

Geo-Tag Nockberge 2022 Light trap Foto: C. Leeb

Geo-Tag Nockberge 2022 - Alpine salamander. Photo: C. Leeb

Geo-Tag Nockberge 2022. Moor. Photo: N. Szucsich

Geo-Tag Nockberge 2022. Light trap. St. Lorenzen at Reichenau. Photo: C. Leeb

Geo-Tag Nockberge 2022 - Viviparous lizard. Foto: C. Leeb

27. July, 2022/by Michaela Sonnleitner

ABOL BioBlitz in Tyrol

ABOL BioBlitz, Highlights, Veranstaltungen

The long journey was worth it: on July 8th and 9th the Day of Biodiversity, including a ABOL-BioBlitz, took place in the Ehrwald Basin/Biberwier, in the Ausserfern region of Tyrol. In the large valley basin, framed by the Wetterstein Mountains and the striking Zugspitze massif, the local bird sanctuary with the remains of a former extensive moor landscape was collected and mapped for 24 hours by experts from various groups of organisms. Further study areas were the picturesque Weißensee, a moist, steep southern slope and other smaller areas. The sunny weather contributed to the fact that plenty of flying insects could also be recorded. We hope for numerous samples from the participants, from which ABOL will have DNA barcodes created, and thank you very much in advance for your commitment. We would also like to thank the organizers for allowing ABOL to take part once again, as well as for the excellent catering and organization!

A few impressions from the study area:

Moor, Ehrwald Basin, TdA Tyrol. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Zygaena spp., Ehrwald Basin, TdA Tyrol. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Araschnia levana, Ehrwald basin, TdA Tyrol. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Weißensee lake, Ehrwald basin; TdA Tyrol. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Moor, Ehrwald Basin, TdA Tyrol. Photo: N. Szucsich

Ehrwald Basin, TdA Tyrol. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Filipendula ulmaria, Ehrwald basin; TdA Tyrol. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Weissensee, Ehrwald basin, TdA Tyrol. Photo: O. Macek

Cirsium oleraceum, Weißensee lake, Ehrwald basin; TdA Tyrol. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Weißensee, Ehrwald Basin; TdA Tyrol. Photo: N. Szucsich

Ducks, Weißensee lake, Ehrwald basin; TdA Tyrol. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Filipendula ulmaria, Weißensee lake, Ehrwald basin; TdA Tyrol. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Tenthredo sp., Weißensee lake, Ehrwald Basin, TdA Tyrol. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

Light trap, Ehrwald basin, TdA Tyrol. Photo: N. Szucsich

Species rich meadow, Biberwier, Ehrwald basin; TdA Tyrol. Photo: N. Szucsich

Allium carinatum, Ehrwald basin, Tyrol. Photo: M. Sonnleitner

19. July, 2022/by Michaela Sonnleitner

ABOL-BioBlitz at the insect camp in the Leiser Berge

ABOL BioBlitz, Citizen Science, Highlights, Veranstaltungen, Workshops

One goal of ABOL is to promote taxonomic knowledge. What could be more obvious than participate in the ÖEG insect camp. For this reason, a BioBlitze took place for the first time this year apart from days of biodiversity. The four-day camp was from 23.6. until 26.6. in the Nature Reserve Leiser Berge in Lower Austria. More than 40 entomologists – both experts and motivated students – took part. Arthropod groups such as beetles, butterflies, hymenoptera, bugs, cicadas, but also spiders and millipedes were collected. In addition to nets, exhausters, leaf suckers and soil sieves, a wide variety of light traps were used during the night. The evenings were also used to determine and to be together comfortably. As a finale, there was a big barbecue together on the last evening.

In addition to morphological identification, the participants were also introduced to DNA-based identification approaches. Interest in DNA barcoding was high among young entomologists. In this ABOL BioBlitz, a malaise trap was set up for the first time in order to expand the species list using metabarcoding.

The Leiser Berge were extraordinarily rich in insect species and abundances. The weather conditions were ideal, especially for flying insects. We are eagerly awaiting the evaluations and re-determinations of the entomologists, as well as the results of the DNA samples.

We would like to say a big thank you for the great organization and excellent catering – especially to Elisabeth Huber from ÖEG, the team from the Nature Reserve Leiser Berge and the team from the Youth Center Oberleis! Thanks also go to all participants and those interested in the ABOL-BioBlitz. It was a great pleasure for us to be able to participate in the insect camp this year!