Research database

The Wildnispark Zurich maintains a research database containing information on research projects, data sets and publications.

For researchers

Researchers turn to our research coordinator for the coordination of their research idea and for information on any necessary exemptions for research in the Sihlwald Conservation Area at least four months before the start of the project.

Ronald Schmidt
Forschungskoordination/GIS
Tel. +41 44 722 55 21
E-Mail

More about the anniversary

There is once again a significant risk of forest fires in the canton of Zurich (level 3 out of 5). Sparks from a fire can cause a blaze. We ask you not to light fires in the Sihlwald, especially when it is windy. You may use the marked fire pits in the Langenberg Wildlife Park. Please always extinguish the fire completely.

Research and Monitoring

Old mixed beech forests such as the Sihlwald are still poorly studied. The Sihlwald is therefore particularly interesting for scientific research.

In order to document the development of the Sihlwald as a natural forest reserve, the Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation supports research and monitoring projects in the park area. In cooperation with the federal government, the canton and scientific institutions, it aims to gain new insights into the little-researched mixed beech forests, such as the Sihlwald – a habitat of great ecological importance.

An extensive Monitoring Concept concept allows the long-term development of biodiversity and the near-natural dynamics of the forest to be systematically observed. The data obtained provides a sound basis for taking targeted measures to protect and promote rare and endangered species and to further strengthen the Sihlwald as a valuable habitat.

First Results and Measures taken

The first monitoring results show success: several rare or thought extinct species have been found in the Sihlwald. For example, researchers have discovered the lichen Rinodina polyspora here, which they had been looking for for decades. It is one of the species that are «regionally extinct» in Switzerland. Rare species have also been discovered among the beetles: Batrisodes buqueti – it resembles an ant in appearance and is a Urwald relict species. The monitoring is already showing: Natural forests such as the Sihlwald allow various demanding species to survive and spread that would not stand a chance in managed forests.

The figures for the sand lizard are also encouraging; based on an inventory in 2020, the team of rangers at Wildnispark Zurich took various enhancement and maintenance measures and created networked habitat structures. Since then, according to an inventory in 2023, sightings of sand lizards have increased significantly.