Research

Main focus

Investigation of biotic interactions (e.g. pollination, seed dispersal, regeneration) as well as interactions of organisms and their environment (e.g. movement ecology) on different spatial scales
Investigation of interactions of biodiversity and ecosystem functions in the context of human use
Development of sustainable use concepts for the protection of threatened species and the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem functions
Development of simple indicator systems, e.g. based on remote sensing, for biodiversity monitoring

Faktencheck

For decades, a decline in biodiversity has been recorded worldwide. To counteract this, rapid action and a societal transformation are necessary. This requires profound knowledge about the state of species and habitats, the direct and indirect drivers influencing them, and the consequences.
Dynamics of tree seedling-herbivore interactions during forest recovery

Within the research unit “Reassembly of species interactions networks”, the subproject SP5 “Dynamics of seedling recruitment and tree seedling–herbivore interactions during forest recovery” focuses on seedling recruitment and seedling–herbivore interactions. Both, seedling recruitment and seedling-herbivore interactions will be...
How abiotic drivers and trait diversity shape herbivory and other biotic processes with consequences for ecosystem functions across mountain ecosystems

The proposed project aims at linking trait diversity of communities with herbivory and other ecological processes along environmental gradients (climate and land-use change). ...
Environmental changes in biodiversity hotspot ecosystems of South Ecuador: RESPonse and feedback effECTs

The tropical mountain rain and dry forests (MRF, MDF) of SE-Ecuador are threatened by climate and land-use changes. Their diversity and complexity make projections how they respond to environmental changes challenging.
Giant mole rats as synanthropic landscape engineers

The project P4 aims to disentangle the role of the endemic Giant Molerat (GMR - Tachyoryctes macrocephalus) as a natural biotic landscape engineer from anthropogenic transformation in the Bale Mountains,
Sustainable wind energy production in the forest

Climate change is one of the main threats to biodiversity and ecosystem functions. To achieve the climate goals of the European Union, Germany is expanding renewable energy production. As a result, the construction...
SPP Earth Shape P4 Linking bioturbation with material flows

Ground-dwelling animals act as ecosystem engineers that affect the structure and composition of the vegetation and thereby also ecosystem processes like soil formation, soil erosion, decomposition and carbon storage. ...
Natur 4.0 | ÖP6 | Interaction networks

Plants and animals interact in complex networks. Network analyses capture not only changes in species communities but also structural changes in biotic interactions with potential consequences for ecosystem functions and stability. Within ÖP6 we quantify ...
Movement ecology of the red kite

In an association of research, planning, authorities and conservationists, we study ecological principles for the protection and development of the Red Kite population in Hesse. The Red Kite (Milvus milvus) probably is the species that is most frequently discussed in context of the expansion of wind energy. ...
Movement pattern of the Cape Vulture

Vultures provide important but underappreciated services for human and livestock health. Despite this, the majority of vulture species are at risk of extinction, owing to a decrease in available carrion, inadvertent poisoning, electrocution on power lines and unsustainable land use changes. ...
TreeM Project C2: Leaf characteristics, metabolome, and herbivory

The question of the impact of abiotic factors on the health of forest tree species and biotic interactions, such as the leaf microbiome and herbivores and pathogens, is of particular importance in the face of climate change.

Main Content

Research

Faktencheck

Dynamics of tree seedling-herbivore interactions during forest recovery

How abiotic drivers and trait diversity shape herbivory and other biotic processes with consequences for ecosystem functions across mountain ecosystems

Environmental changes in biodiversity hotspot ecosystems of South Ecuador: RESPonse and feedback effECTs

Giant mole rats as synanthropic landscape engineers

Sustainable wind energy production in the forest

SPP Earth Shape P4 Linking bioturbation with material flows

Natur 4.0 | ÖP6 | Interaction networks

Movement ecology of the red kite

Movement pattern of the Cape Vulture

TreeM Project C2: Leaf characteristics, metabolome, and herbivory