New Nesting Opportunities for Birds – A Project for Greater Biodiversity at MPI EvolBio in Plön

The Biodiversity Group at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology (MPI EvolBio) has launched a special project to promote biodiversity: new nesting opportunities for birds have been created at Schöhsee. The recently installed nesting tubes are designed to provide a safe breeding site for waterbirds – a contribution to the protection of nature and biodiversity in the region.

The idea arose from years of observations: time and again, ducks searched for suitable breeding sites near the institute, sometimes even on the rooftops of the building. To ensure the chicks got a safe start in life, staff often had to carefully bring them down from the roof. However, it soon became clear that a more sustainable solution was needed.
The Biodiversity Group therefore developed a plan to create suitable nesting opportunities directly in and around Schöhsee. After thorough research, the team decided on so-called nesting tubes, which were mounted on poles in the lake. These structures offer birds protection from nest predators and a secure environment to raise their young.

Collaboration for Nature

The project was coordinated with Beate Duwe and Ludwig Askemper, environmental specialists from the city of Plön, as well as the 1st Kiel Angling Club of 1907 at Schöhsee. "It is important to us to provide safe and ecologically meaningful breeding sites as an alternative to our institute’s flat roofs. This way, the hatchlings can safely reach the water after hatching," explains Christine Pfeifle, spokesperson for the Biodiversity Group at MPI EvolBio.
The funding for the materials was secured thanks to the support of the institute – a heartfelt thank you to the management and everyone involved!

A Contribution to Biodiversity

The nesting tubes were installed in Schöhsee at the beginning of the year, just in time for the new breeding season. Now, it remains to be seen whether the birds will accept the new nesting sites. Once a year, outside the breeding season, the tubes will be inspected and repaired if necessary.
"As safe breeding sites for birds are becoming increasingly scarce, we hope that our efforts will bear fruit and that we can support the birdlife at Schöhsee with this project," says Christine Pfeifle. Further projects by the Biodiversity Group to promote biodiversity on the institute's grounds are already in planning.