We introduce the Alpine research platform Ödenwinkel to promote observational and experimental research on the emergence of multidiversity and ecosystem complexity. The Ödenwinkel platform will be available as a long-term ecological research site where researchers from various disciplines can contribute to the accumulation of knowledge on ecological successions and on how interactions between various taxonomic groups structure ecological complexity in this Alpine environment.

The Roman snail has a high conservation status in Germany, and it is important to study the impact of predators and parasites on local populations. Morphometric traits and signs of external attack and internal utilization were studied in eight subpopulations. External attacks by predators were more frequently recorded on larger shells, while internal utilization depended on body density and local soil pH values. This highlights the value of abiotic habitat conditions and trophic interactions.

This paper summarizes the tree composition and structure of six sacred forests, located in northwestern Greece. These forests are recognized as important components of the cultural landscape and local traditional knowledge. However, they are gradually fading because of rural depopulation. To understand the effect of management on the forests' vegetation composition, we classified tree species across forests. Our results show the key role of former management in shaping the forests' structure.

Invasive acacias are spreading in Iberia, harming ecosystems. We did a bibliographic search of acacia invasions in S Europe and used spatial data on their distribution and abiotic parameters in Iberia – Acacia dealbata and A. melanoxylon prefer acid soils and warm and humid areas with high fire incidence, while A. saligna prefers neutral soils in the driest and warmest areas. Several acacias outcompete native shrubs partly thanks to enemy release, so biocontrol agent introduction can be useful.