Mergelgrube bei Hannover, Protected nature reserve in Misburg, Germany.
Mergelgrube bei Hannover is a protected conservation area in Misburg with ponds and wetlands that formed from former limestone quarries. The site features reed beds and open water areas that create diverse habitats for birds and rare amphibians.
Limestone extraction operations at this site continued until the late 1960s before ceasing permanently. The abandoned quarry was later converted into a protected conservation area to preserve its developing ecosystems.
The site functions as an ecological research center where scientists study 45 endangered plant species, including two varieties previously considered extinct in Lower Saxony.
Access to the site is restricted to protect fragile habitats and ensure the safety of rare species. Visitors should stay on marked paths and respect the conservation areas.
The site is home to rare amphibian species like the northern crested newt, which depend on nutrient-poor waters for survival. These specialized animals find the conditions here difficult to locate elsewhere.
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