Development of a quantification method for European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) in urban areas on the example of Lichtenberg, Berlin

Table of Contents

1 Abstract

2 Introduction

3 European hares (Lepus europaeus)

3.1 Appearance, biology and behaviour

3.2 Abundance

3.3 Endangerment and status of protection

3.4 Actual methods for quantification

4 Preliminary investigations and preconditions for method development

4.1 Data set and object of investigation

4.2 Vehicle

4.3 Light source

4.4 Illumination technique

4.5 Protocol

4.6 Security measures and timing of investigation

5 Data acquisition with the "Torchlight counting in urban areas"

5.1 Investigation areas / sample plots

5.1.1 Overview: district Lichtenberg

5.1.2 Friedrichsfelde (FF)

5.1.3 Herzberge (HB)

5.1.4 Weiße Taube / Fennpfuhl (WT/FP)

5.1.5 Falkenberg (FB)

5.1.6 Neu-Hohenschönhausen (NH)

5.2 Timing of investigations

6 Results of field work

6.1 Illumination area

6.2 Sightings of hares

6.3 Sightings of hares with regard to the habitat type

6.4 Other sightings

7 Discussion

7.1 Evaluation of the method with respect to objectivity, reliability and validity

7.2 Interpretation of results

7.2.1 Selection of illumination areas

7.2.2 Calculation of the hare density

7.2.3 Disruptive factors

7.3 Recommendations for a future application of the method

7.3.1 Vehicle

7.3.2 Light source

7.3.3 Illumination technique

7.3.4 Protocol

7.3.5 Timing

7.3.6 Organisation

8 Conclusions

Research Objectives and Topics

The primary objective of this thesis is to develop a reliable and standardized quantification method for European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) populations specifically adapted for urban environments, using the district of Lichtenberg in Berlin as a case study. The research addresses the challenge that traditional rural census methods are unsuitable for the fragmented and high-pressure landscapes of urban settings.

• Development of the "Torchlight counting in urban areas" method.
• Evaluation of different urban habitat types for hare suitability.
• Analysis of observational data across five distinct urban investigation tracks.
• Assessment of the impact of human presence and urban infrastructure on hare activity.
• Creation of a long-term monitoring organizational framework involving local volunteers.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

Abstract: Provides an overview of the declining hare populations and introduces the new urban quantification method based on bicycle-mounted LED torchlight.

Introduction: Discusses the status of the brown hare in Germany and the emergence of the species as a new, unexpected inhabitant of urban districts.

European hares (Lepus europaeus): Details the biological characteristics, natural abundance, and protection status of the species.

Preliminary investigations and preconditions for method development: Outlines the technical requirements, including the selection of the torchlight and the bike as a flexible vehicle.

Data acquisition with the "Torchlight counting in urban areas": Describes the five investigated tracks in Lichtenberg and the systematic categorization of sample plots.

Results of field work: Presents the observational data, hare sightings, and the influence of different habitat types on population distribution.

Discussion: Critically evaluates the objectivity and reliability of the developed method and offers recommendations for future monitoring programs.

Conclusions: Compares the new urban method with traditional rural spotlighting techniques, highlighting the differences in logistics and application.

Keywords

European brown hare, Lepus europaeus, urban ecology, torchlight counting, population monitoring, Lichtenberg, Berlin, wildlife management, habitat analysis, urban development, field survey, synanthropization, conservation, biodiversity, spotlight taxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this research?

The research focuses on the development of a specific method to quantify brown hare populations in urban areas, where traditional rural methods fail due to infrastructure and line-of-sight constraints.

Which species is the central subject of the study?

The central subject is the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus), a species traditionally found in rural landscapes that has increasingly colonized urban environments.

What is the primary goal of the thesis?

The primary goal is to provide nature conservation authorities with a standardized, cost-effective, and applicable method for the regular monitoring of urban hare populations.

What scientific methodology is applied?

The study utilizes "torchlight counting," involving two-person teams on bicycles equipped with high-performance LED torches to systematically survey predefined urban tracks at night.

What content is covered in the main section?

The main part covers the preparation of the method (equipment, protocol), the selection of investigation areas in Lichtenberg, the execution of field counts, and the subsequent analysis of hare distribution in relation to urban habitat types.

Which keywords best describe the work?

Key terms include urban ecology, Lepus europaeus, population monitoring, torchlight counting, wildlife management, and the case study location of Lichtenberg, Berlin.

Why are bike-based methods preferred over cars in this study?

Bicycles allow for flexible maneuvering in residential areas, access to non-motorized zones, and are less intrusive to the behavior of urbanized hares compared to vehicles.

How does the author propose to sustain the monitoring program?

The author suggests an organizational structure led by a "Hare Manager" who coordinates a pool of volunteers, supported by an internet forum and regular informative sessions to maintain data quality over the long term.