Large-scale distribution and land use

In a preliminary study from 2010, we investigated the tick density in different habitat types in the Upper Rhine Plain north of Karlsruhe. Five forest habitats were selected consisting of wet floodplains and mixed forests. Ticks were flagged at each site every two weeks ticks from April to September. Both the tick density, as well as the total number of ticks found, varied enormously between the sites, with over 2,000 ticks in lowland forests and only 350 ticks in the Hardt forest.
We are now investigating the large-scale distribution of ticks in Baden-Württemberg. For this, we collect ticks monthly from 20 characteristic habitats in Baden-Württemberg that differ in altitude, vegetation, soil, etc. As a result, we obtain data on the abundance, population density and dynamics of the ticks present there. It is also possible to examine variability both between and within years.
The data of the tick abundance are then linked to the respective landscape patterns and the local environment to capture the habitats that appear to be particularly favourable for ticks.

Collecting ticks from the vegetation (flagging) (Picture: Lena Kratzer)