Rewetted Peatlands: Which Animals come, which go?

What does peatland conservation actually do for biodiversity? Sebastian and Juliane Petri are standing in a meadow boasting exceptionally high biodiversity—home to amphibians, ground-nesting birds, toads, and lapwings. And it is precisely this diversity that is at stake if peatland conservation is carried out incorrectly. Their conversation reveals an often-overlooked dilemma: cultivating economically valuable plants—such as reeds or cattails—in monocultures destroys the habitat that has evolved over centuries. Conversely, simply ceasing cultivation altogether results in the loss of the very plant and animal species that depend specifically on this managed cultural landscape. There is no simple answer. Yet Sebastian and Juliane Petri are convinced: only if farmers, conservation authorities, local municipalities, and citizens engage in open dialogue can a solution emerge that is truly sustainable. This post is part of the terrathesis platform. More information: 🔗 www.terrathesis.de terrathesis | MEDIAG With Sebastian & Juliane Petri Funded by the Volkswagen Foundation Research conducted at the Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF