300163 UE Practical nature conservation (2009S)

The rich fauna and flora of ¿waste land¿, as dry grass ecosystems, has been conserved by grazing management during centuries. With the cessation of the traditional cultivation natural succession proceeded and big areas of this former open ecosystems are in a bad ecological condition now or have vanished. Theoretical introduction lectures prepare the students for practical field work by clear cutting. The course includes also 2 excursions to dry grass areas in Lower Austria. A 3rd excursion concerns with clear cutting in the area of the ¿Währinger Jüdischer Friedhof¿ in Vienna (unique chance to see this historico-cultural burial site!).Working reports are submitted to the local authority.