Rehabilitated richness: biodiversity recovery in Germany's gypsum post-mining landscapes

Abstract

In light of European and international mandates to protect natural areas in order to preserve biodiversity, all unused or abandoned areas become invaluable resources. We examined the botanical and structural diversity of post-mining areas and surrounding landscapes across four major mining regions in Germany over a year-long study. We categorized our 66 study transects over 24 mining sites based on their structure and usage. Our results indicate that the vascular plant richness in restored post-mining landscapes is significantly higher than in the undisturbed, surrounding area. This research emphasizes the importance of these disturbed landscapes for Red List species and of recovering gypsum-mining sites in Germany for the protection of biodiversity. We also expose the strong effect of management in the value development of these areas, with particular importance being placed on rewilding and restoration projects as effective techniques to increase the nature conservation value of abandoned sites.