2018 | Switzerland | Laura Bauer

Littorella uniflora on the upper shore of Lake Zurich – Human impact on the ecology and distribution of an endangered species

Water issue adressed: Too much
Littorella uniflora as a link between water and land.

Littorella uniflora L. Asch. is an aquatic plant which is endangered in southern central Europe. Because of its sensitivity to environmental changes, it reflects the complexity of ecosystems along lake shores. In my study I examined the north shore of the upper Lake Zurich for the presence of L .u. and characterised the ecological conditions under which the species grows. I applied a broad spectrum of wide-ranging surveys including transects, comparisons of different sites, and soil and water analyses. These different ecological approaches enabled the identification of factors critical for the survival of the few remaining populations in Lake Zurich. They serve as a reference for the impact of human intervention on aquatic systems and biodiversity in its total.

This is how I came up with the idea for this project:

I already knew I wanted to do a project in natural sciences. After my mentor had told me about Littorella uniflora, the case was clear because this aquatic plant reflects the complexity of ecosystems along lake shores and combines it with botany, which I am interested in both.

CONTACT WATERTANK

Ania Andersch

Programme manager ania.andersch@siwi.org +46 8 121 360 59