"Sources of Life" (2023–2025):
The "Sources of Life" project aims to protect and restore valuable spring habitats in Austria. Springs and spring brooks are ecologically unique locations with high biodiversity, especially for specialized and sometimes critically endangered species (e.g., the dwarf spring snail, caddisfly).
Many of these habitats are significantly affected or already destroyed by human interventions such as construction, grazing, water extraction, and tourism. Despite their ecological importance, they are still insufficiently considered in conservation efforts. Their small scale makes them particularly sensitive to disturbances, and climate change acts as an additional stress factor.

Measures in the project:

• Restoration of two affected spring systems
• Creation of buffer zones (e.g., through grazing fences)
• Introduction of deadwood in the spring brook
• Reduction of riverbank management

Success monitoring:
Sensitive stonefly and caddisfly species are used as bioindicators. Their return is intended to indicate the success of the measures.

Example:
The Loser Spring is highlighted as an intact and valuable spring area that needs protection.
Four springs will be studied: FR. Grundlsee and FR. Altaussee

Project partners:

• Environmental Umbrella Association (Dr. Renate Degen)
• BOKU-Wien (Dr. Wolfram Graf)

• Austrian Federal Forests AG