NAccording to NABU, invasive animal and plant species, so-called neophytes, are one of the main reasons for the loss of species and biotopes in nature and the landscape. Their spread means a rapidly growing threat to nature reserves and stream valleys, which are particularly valuable in terms of landscape and ecology.
Especially in the natural areas of the northern and eastern parts of the city, for example, the spread of the “Hallover Balsam” and the “Japanese Knotweed” is already well advanced. The Rabengrund nature reserve is under acute threat, and for the Goldsteinbach, which is largely dominated by neophytes, “any help comes too late”.
The situation in western Wiesbaden is better, says NABU expert Manfred Krautter. In order to protect these species-rich natural areas, immediate and effective protective measures are required, demands Peter Siersleben, Chairman of NABU Wiesbaden.
NABU examined a total of 13 nature reserves and creek valleys in Wiesbaden and created a map of the spread of neophytes and the degree of threat to the local nature. In four of these 13 natural areas, non-native plants have already largely displaced the native flora.
Striking conqueror: Himalayan balsam displaces native plants.
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Image: Imago
Better protection for natural areas and native plants
In six of the protected areas, however, the chances of stopping the neophyte invasion are still good. The prerequisites are effective monitoring and the immediate control of the first settlements of neophytes. NABU itself initiated protection projects on the Lippbach and in the Weilburger Tal this year and applied to the environmental agency to be allowed to continue them.
“Most neophytes are easy to recognize and easy to combat in the early stages with simple means,” says Krautter. There are also recommendations from the Hessian State Office for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology. In addition, NABU organizes information and action days and encourages citizens to take a smartphone photo with geodata when they discover invasive plants and send it to NABU.
The state office appeals to citizens on its website: The more observations are made, the better the experts can assess whether and how far an invasive species has spread: “Everyone can become part of our early warning and reporting system.”
