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Early maps as stepping stones for the reconstruction of historic ecological conditions and biota

Naturwissenschaften volume 90, pages 360–365 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

We reconstructed the flora of a European region at a historical point in time from historical topographical maps that contain rather precise information about the condition and composition of habitats. The ecological information obtained from these maps can be enriched through the potential of broadly diversified archival information. This study is confined to grassland communities. Considerations in terms of phytosociology make historical lists of plant species a good starting point for the reconstruction of grassland communities. The combination of historical and scientific methods proves suitable for reconstructing specific historical environmental conditions. Taking into account the frequency of relevant historical sources in European archives as well as in archives abroad, this approach claims for far-reaching application to ecosystem restoration matters, especially if ecological information from natural sources is missing.

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Acknowledgements

The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research generously sponsored the project (title: "Reconstruction of historical biodiversity from archival sources", grant BIOLOG 01 LC 0004). The authors are responsible for the content of this publication. Thanks are also due to several students for supporting the work and to one anonymous reviewer.

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  1. Institute for Historical Anthropology and Human Ecology, Department of Zoology and Anthropology, University of Goettingen, Buergerstrasse 50, 37073, Goettingen, Germany

    Antje Jakupi, Peter-M. Steinsiek & Bernd Herrmann

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  1. Antje Jakupi
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  2. Peter-M. Steinsiek
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  3. Bernd Herrmann
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Correspondence to Bernd Herrmann.

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Jakupi, A., Steinsiek, PM. & Herrmann, B. Early maps as stepping stones for the reconstruction of historic ecological conditions and biota. Naturwissenschaften 90, 360–365 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-003-0446-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-003-0446-z

Keywords

  • Grassland Community
  • Oenanthe
  • Character Species
  • Archival Source
  • Freshwater Swamp