Institution: Institute of Paleontology
University of Vienna

Project lead: Thomas Filek

Althanstraße 14, 1090 Wien

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Biodiversity at cemeteries

Since April 2021, the University of Vienna has been working on the project BaF - Biodiversity in Cemeteries in cooperation with Friedhöfe Wien GmbH (Vienna cemeteries). The aim is to document biodiversity (the occurrence of a wide variety of animals, plants and fungal species) and to investigate the active and passive impact of humans on cemetery areas as habitats. This collaboration between the university and the municipal cemeteries represents a significant step towards understanding the diverse ecosystems within the cemeteries and developing measures for the sustainable conservation and promotion of biodiversity. The BaF project thus not only contributes to scientific research, but also to the sustainable development of urban green spaces.

Cemeteries as biodiversity hotspots - project goals & participation

Cemeteries are more than just places of mourning and remembrance. Due to their location, size and the various natural areas they harbour, they represent an important habitat for a variety of organisms. But exactly how many creatures live in cemetery areas has not yet been researched. The BaF Biodiversity at Cemeteries project aims to carry out a comprehensive inventory of biodiversity in Austrian cemeteries and invites you to become part of this exciting research project and discover the fascinating world of cemetery nature.

Why is research into biodiversity in cemeteries so important? Quite simply! Because such an inventory not only allows conclusions to be drawn about changes in biodiversity, but also provides insights into the coexistence of humans and nature. By collecting data on the various plant and animal species, important insights can be gained into how human activities affect the environment and what measures can be taken to protect biodiversity. Together with volunteers and experts from a wide range of fields, various methods are used to record biodiversity, including counting and identifying plant and animal species, carrying out mapping and creating biotope maps.
Join in and help us unravel the secrets of cemetery nature! Every contribution counts and helps us to better understand and protect our environment. More information at: baf-austria.at.

This is how it works:

1) Discover plants, animals or fungi at the cemetery site.

2) Send us a photo or your report to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or use the sighting form on our website.

3) Give us information about time and place of your sighting.

4) We help with determinations and you help to protect the biodiversity of our city!

Citizen Science Seminary

In 2024, poject coordinator Thomas Filek held a lecture as part of the lecture series "Citizen Science Seminar" at BOKU University: "Biodiversity at Cemeteries - a look at three years of sustainable developments" (in German). You can watch the video recording of the lecture here.

The team and the organisation

BaF consists of a small team of student assistants, lecturers and of course you. Project leaders are Thomas Filek and Doris Nagel, who, in addition to the organisation, also take care of the staff and the dialogue with you.