Department of Ecological Dynamics: Projects

Stability of wildlife populations under global change and across levels of organisation

To understand how populations and communities react to global change we study how their traits and their stability are affected by disturbances.

Setting conservation priorities in the Annamite mountains of Laos and Vietnam

The exceptional biodiversity and endemism of the Annamite region of Vietnam and Laos is threatened substantially by illegal hunting. We use state of the art systemic biodiversity surveys and statistical models to identify the last strongholds of wildlife.

Health, demography, ecological dynamics and anthropogenic effects on spotted hyeans in the Serengeti National Park

We study the behaviour, ecology and health of spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) in the Serengeti National Park since 1987, and currently hold detailed information on more than 2300 individuals in three clans.

Population dynamics and conservation of large carnivores in anthropogenic landscapes

Large carnivores face significant challenges in human-dominated landscapes. We use individual-based models to analyse their population genetics, their population dynamics and their viability.

Epigenetic stability and plasticity of social environmental effects

Epigenetic modifications function as flexible mechanisms to increase a species' adaptability to environmental changes. Such changes may also involve the social environment. Therefore we want to know, if a certain social status is reflected by a specific (for that status) epigenetic pattern.

Theory and methods in ecology and evolution

We are constantly improving our analytical tool box by developing and refining methods for data collection, handling and analysis in order to deepen our understanding of ecological dynamics in wildlife.

Wildlife disease dynamics: Linking host and pathogen traits

Pathogens are an integral part of biodiversity, influencing population dynamics of their hosts and playing an important functional role in shaping community structure. We study how different movement types and life-history strategies of species affect disease spread, persistence and evolution.

Mammalian biodiversity in logged tropical rainforest in Malaysian Borneo

In the last decades Malaysian Borneo experienced the highest rates of rainforest loss and degradation through unsustainable logging. We study how faunal biodiversity is affected by this and try to contribute to a more sustainable management of the currently used concessions.

Urban wildlife ecology: How do animals respond to novel environments?

Urban environments provide new challenges to wildlife but also new opportunities. We study how our wild housemates perform in urban environments, what they use and need.