Cemeteries: A Refuge for Urban Biodiversity

Cemeteries, often associated with death, are actually places that provide valuable habitat for wildlife in urban areas. A recent study found that the Italian girdle snail has successfully established itself in some of Berlin's largest cemeteries. The authors of the study found that Hygromia cinctella was already well established in the Wilmersdorf and Buschkrugallee cemeteries. A single living individual was found in the old Garrison Cemetery, while only an old empty shell was found in the Turiner Strasse Cemetery, suggesting that establishment in smaller cemeteries may be more difficult.

A 2022 paper pointed out that cemeteries have great biodiversity, which could be a motivation for people to visit them. Researchers conducted surveys to find out why people visit cemeteries, and the top responses included enjoyment of nature, mourning, and historical interest. People's favorite features of cemeteries were wildlife, solitude, and vegetation, suggesting that interaction with nature may also provide comfort to those who are grieving. The authors concluded that cemeteries are multidimensional places and that the presence of dead trees as wildlife habitat is important.

Strategies to develop cemeteries as shared habitats for people and wildlife should consider not only the socio-demographic context, but also the reasons for visiting cemeteries. Cemeteries are often the most undisturbed areas in urban areas, making them focal points for biodiversity conservation. A 2019 review highlighted the important role that cemeteries and churchyards play in conservation, often serving as refuges for rare and endangered species. The main threats to cemetery-dependent flora and fauna are the loss of grasslands, intensive land management through mowing and tree cutting, and the introduction of invasive species. The authors suggest taking a more spiritual perspective on cemeteries to avoid these threats. Conservation and spirituality are closely intertwined in cemeteries. Conservation of these refuges can be achieved by restoring their sacred spirituality, educating local people about the natural values of these areas, and managing them to provide suitable habitats for flora and fauna.

So the next time you visit a cemetery, take your eyes off the tombstones and you may find that in remembering death, you are also surrounded by life. Finding a few nomadic snails is certainly preferable to the surprise archaeologists found in the tomb of King Casimir...