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

The master thesis aims to develop a suitable quantification method specifically for assessing hare populations in urban city habitats, using the Lichtenberg district of Berlin as an example.

The researcher used a strong LED torchlight and a bike to investigate 153.74 hectares of green area. This method was adapted from the traditional "spotlight taxation" used in agricultural areas.

The study calculated a density of 16.98 hares per 100 hectares in suitable tracks, which is surprisingly high compared to some agricultural landscapes.

Existing methods are designed for open agricultural landscapes. Urban areas have scattered green spaces and residential buildings, requiring different tools like GIS and digital orthophotos for accurate assessment.

Yes, the proposed method allows for public participation, which can lead to cost reductions and increased public awareness of wild animals in urban settings.

The study utilized Geographic Information Systems (GIS), digital orthophotos, and track analysis to map hare positions and illumination plots.