Hedges and shrubs provide many animals with optimal breeding, nesting, and feeding sites, as well as protection from predators. They are also important for the networking of biotopes in urban areas. Shrubs and hedges that are planted as close to nature as possible, with different flowering seasons, richly structured forms and diverse habitat functions, are ecologically valuable.

Deadwood increases biodiversity by providing habitat for a wide variety of organisms, including birds and mammals, but especially for insects, fungi, mosses and lichens. 

© R. Forke, TUD

Dead hedges

Deadwood is one of the most biodiverse habitats. Dead hedges made of piled branches and twigs provide a diverse habitat for insects, reptiles and mammals. Deadwood, both fallen and standing, enriches the structural diversity of an insect-friendly meadow behind the Andreas Pfitzmann Building. Standing deadwood is difficult to maintain on campus for safety reasons.

© N. Rüsing, TUD

­Yew

The European Yew (Taxus baccata) is the oldest native tree species and has been widespread in Europe for 150 million years. Today's yew forests are specially protected under Germany’s Federal Act for the Protection of Nature. This conifer has become rare in forests. However, it is often grown in parks and cemeteries. As an evergreen hedge, it is a valuable habitat for birds.

© N. Rüsing, TUD

Wild privet

Wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare) is the only native species cultivated as a hedge plant. The privet genus includes around 50 species. All privet species are semi-evergreen. Wild privet is of greater ecological importance. In addition to nesting habitats, it also provides food for insects and butterflies (privet hawk moth). It is a food source for many caterpillars.

© N. Rüsing, TUD

Musk beetle

The native musk beetle (Aromia moschata) is a specially protected species. With its long antennae and shiny metallic tint, this longhorn beetle is extremely striking. An intense, musk-like aroma is thought to serve as protection from predators. The beetle was discovered in purple willow (Salix purpurea) by the Biology Building. This shrub is its preferred habitat.

© N. Rüsing, TUD

Rhododendronzikade

The rhododendron leafhopper (Graphocephala fennahi) is a species of leafhopper that develop only one new generation per year. Its eggs overwinter in the buds and its larvae feed on the sap of the rhododendron. Insects (parasitic wasps, mites, bugs) and spiders are predators that ensure an ecological balance on the wood. The leafhopper, like the rhododendron itself, is a non-native species.