Urban peatlands can harbour diverse insect communities but depend on appropriate habitat management

Nadja Pernat; Anika Kristin Gathof; Hilke Hollens‐Kuhr; Sascha Buchholz

doi:10.1111/icad.70076

journal article Open Access Mar 26, 2026

Urban peatlands can harbour diverse insect communities but depend on appropriate habitat management

Nadja Pernat

Anika Kristin Gathof Hilke Hollens‐Kuhr

Sascha Buchholz

Insect Conservation and Diversity · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1111/icad.70076

Abstract

Abstract

Peatlands are among the most valuable natural habitats due to the wide range of ecosystem services they offer. However, the majority face negative pressures that have led to their degradation. In urban areas especially, human activities are intensifying these pressures, leaving lasting effects on both plant and animal life. These habitats are defined by unique environmental conditions and can serve as important refuges for a range of species, including endangered and highly specialized ones.

In this study, a multi‐taxon approach was used to examine insect diversity across 19 peatland sites, along with environmental factors that may influence species composition. A total of 393 insect species were recorded, including 44 species listed on the Red List and several bog‐adapted species.

The analysis found that peat bog characteristics and variables related to the surrounding urban environment had no significant effect on overall species richness, abundance or the diversity of Red List species. Notably, flower diversity had a positive effect on the number of Red List species, while a higher proportion of woodland was associated with reduced species richness. Non‐metric multi‐dimensional scaling revealed no distinct clustering of species across all taxa, although Red List species formed a separate group influenced by habitat management.

These findings highlight the potential of urban peatlands to act as biodiversity hotspots. Nevertheless, improving hydrological conditions and implementing targeted habitat management are essential for supporting and enhancing biodiversity in these urban ecosystems.

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Published: Mar 26, 2026
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Authors

N

Nadja Pernat

Institute of Landscape Ecology University of Münster Münster Germany; Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research and Applied Ecology (CIBRA) University of Münster Münster Germany

A

Anika Kristin Gathof

Institute of Landscape Ecology University of Münster Münster Germany; Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research and Applied Ecology (CIBRA) University of Münster Münster Germany

H

Hilke Hollens‐Kuhr

Institute of Landscape Ecology University of Münster Münster Germany; Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research and Applied Ecology (CIBRA) University of Münster Münster Germany

S

Sascha Buchholz

Institute of Landscape Ecology University of Münster Münster Germany; Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research and Applied Ecology (CIBRA) University of Münster Münster Germany

Cite This Article

Nadja Pernat, Anika Kristin Gathof, Hilke Hollens‐Kuhr, et al. (2026). Urban peatlands can harbour diverse insect communities but depend on appropriate habitat management. Insect Conservation and Diversity. https://doi.org/10.1111/icad.70076

Urban peatlands can harbour diverse insect communities but depend on appropriate habitat management

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