The initiation of natural regeneration is one of the most important but also most difficult tasks in the management of semi-natural forests. The extent of benefit from light absorption has a major impact on the regenerative success of beechwoods and oakwoods.

In order to create a solid data resource, baseline surveys were conducted in all core zones of theWienerwald BR to establish their actual condition. This kind of ‘stock-taking’ forms the basis for current and future research projects.

All 20 native species of amphibians in Austria are on the Red List of Endangered Species for Austria and are strictly protected.

A number of questions were explored in connection with the project: e.g. which properties are linked with which soil types, what are the changes in availability of water to plants, and how good is the nutrient supply in various locations?

In conjunction with the project entitled ’Integrative, sustainable wildlife management in the Wienerwald BR’, criteria and corresponding indicators were developed for the sustainable management of wildlife and their habitats.

In conjunction with this project, spiders and ground beetles were explored in natural forest patches in the Irenental.