The Gesäuse National Park covers an area slightly smaller than the city of Graz, but is one of the regions in Austria richest in special plant and animal species. Steep slopes, deep gorges and roaring streams form an extraordinary mountain region. Numerous animal and plant species are found exclusively here, such as the dainty feather carnation.
Scientists at the University of Graz observe the climate, flora and fauna here. All of this is now being channelled into a close cooperation between the University of Graz and the unique protected area in order to research the changes in the habitat even more closely.
Long-term research
For Herbert Wölger, Managing Director of the National Park Authority, the collaboration is particularly valuable. "The Gesäuse National Park is a process protection area, i.e. wilderness. The natural processes can run as undisturbed as possible. There is no forestry and no gravel extraction." This situation offers the best conditions for long-term ecological research. In order for this to succeed, the expertise of the scientists at the University of Graz is needed.
"This collaboration is an excellent example of the connection between science, nature and society," says Rector Peter Riedler during a visit to the research stations. "The researchers are researching the impact of climate change on the region and Austria as a whole directly on site."
Back to nature
Because the national park, which was established in 2002, is comparatively young, developments "back to nature" can be followed very well there. Manuela Hirschmugl from the Institute of Geography and Spatial Research, who carries out research in the Gesäuse, is also interested in this: "The extreme topography has an impact on the entire ecosystem. Rockfall, landslides and avalanches are part of a natural cycle that creates something new."
Hirschmugl meticulously collates long-term measurements of everything from temperature and precipitation to forest cover. In a current project, the researcher wants to unearth this treasure trove of data and make it available globally and freely accessible as part of the EU research network eLTER.
In the FFG project "RestorEO", Hirschmugl is also working on key figures that are crucial for the future of Alpine forests. "What parameters must a forest have in order to be considered natural and how can we monitor this cost-effectively?" the scientist wants to answer.
Drinking water
Half of Austria's drinking water comes from the Alps. "Karst springs such as the Etzbach spring form the central reservoir of our supply," explain Gerfried Winkler and Thomas Wagner from the Institute of Earth Sciencesat the University of Graz. "We therefore need to clarify whether and how they are changing."
Among other things, the team continuously measures the water temperature and electrical conductivity as well as the amount of water per second. "In the past, there was a compact structure of the snow layers and a regular sequence of snowfall and melting. "This dynamic has changed noticeably in recent times," says Winkler.
Many years of observation
Winkler's research is accompanied by data from WegenerNet Gesäuse. At 17 climate stations in the Gesäuse-Johnsbachtal region, the Wegener Centre at the University of Graz measures data on temperature, humidity, precipitation, snow, wind, radiation and air pressure every ten minutes. The water level and water status of the Johnsbach are also recorded at two other stations.
What is special: This research project is to be continued at least until the year 2100. "One challenge is the often exposed location of the stations, which are exposed to all kinds of wind and weather at altitudes between 600 and 2,200 metres above sea level," explainsJürgen Fuchsberger, information technician at the Wegener Center at the University of Graz.
The researchers at the University of Graz use the data from the stations to draw conclusions about changes in the Alpine climate. Fuchsberger: "WegenerNet has been taking measurements since 2007 and, with its unique station density, makes a significant contribution to improving weather and climate models. However, meaningful trend calculations require measurement series of at least 20 to 30 years."
Biodiversity
In the Gesäuse National Park there are also alpine meadows that are managed by farmers in the region. Herds of cattle graze here in summer. "A blessing for biodiversity," emphasises Christian Sturmbauer from the Institute of Biology at the University of Graz. This is because the animals create a refuge for hundreds of plant and insect species.
The biodiversity researcher from Graz has therefore been testing an efficient monitoring method for insects since the beginning of the year. Together with his team, he is looking for genetic traces of insects that they leave behind when they come into contact with meadow plants. To do this, the grasses and flowers are swabbed in sterile water, in which the "environmental DNA" of the visitors dissolves and can be analysed. "In this way, hundreds of species can be identified simultaneously without removing them from their habitat," says Sturmbauer.
"All these findings help us to better understand various phenomena - from landscape to flora and fauna to climate - as well as our environment and to make it more liveable in the future," says Joachim Reidl, Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Graz, who is delighted with the collaboration.