• Biodiversity Monitoring Switzerland

Reports and brochures


The most important publications related to the BDM are listed below. Most of them can be downloaded as PDF.

Methodology report 2014

A report from 2014 summarises the concept behind this programme of the Federal Office for the Environment FOEN in a straightforward and comprehensive way.

Scientific publications

List of all scientific publications (Status: December 2022, in German)

BDM Facts # 1: Warming climate is changing biodiversity

An analysis based on BDM data reveals expected changes in Switzerland’s butterfly species diversity if temperatures actually were to rise 2°C by 2050 as forecasted. The status report on “The State of Biodiversity in Switzerland” summarizes findings by Biodiversity Monitoring Switzerland after five years of surveying.

Status: May 2006

BDM-Facts # 2: Taking Responsibility in the Alps

Switzerland takes particular responsibility for species whose ranges are largely located in this country. As shown by an analysis of data gathered by Biodiversity Monitoring Switzerland (BDM), such species are primarily found in the Alps.

Status: October 2011

BDM-Facts # 3: Deposited Airborne Nitrogen Changes Biodiversity

The amounts of airborne nitrogen deposited nationwide surpass the critical load of affected habitats on roughly 58% of Switzerland’s expanse. There is close congruence between the distribution patterns of nitrogen deposits and mean nutrient indicator values of the vegetation.

Status: December 2011

BDM Facts #4: Switzerland’s Vegetation Impacted by Climate Change?

Analyses of BDM data show that typical mountain plants have been extending their ranges to even higher altitudes. Generally speaking, heat-loving vascular plant species are moving into regions that used to be too cold for them.

Status: March 2012

BDM Facts #5: Butterfly Species Diversity Hotspots

As shown by BDM research comparing areas characterized by very high butterfly species diversity with Switzerland’s Federal Inventory of Dry Grasslands, dry grassland provides particularly valuable habitats for many butterfly species.

Status: August 2012

BDM Facts #6: Differing Changes in Plant Species Diversity

Recent analyses of BDM data suggest that depending on species ecology, plant species diversity is developing along diverging lines. For example, originally non-native plant species are expected to increase, since both climate warming and expanding settlement areas are favouring them. However, native species diversity is likely to wane, given that climate warming and changes in land use are having a negative impact on this species group.

Status: June 2013


 

Hotspot special edition

The Hotspot special edition on 20 years of BDM shows who works behind the data and highlights current developments in biodiversity.

Method Descriptions

Following the link below, BDM fieldworkers will find detailed descriptions of all fieldwork and labwork methods. These documents are also available to interested outside experts.

Methodology report

A report from 2014 summarises the concept behind this programme of the Federal Office for the Environment FOEN in a straightforward and comprehensive way.