Research projects
Our research focuses on topics in animal ecology at the ecosystem scale, such as the impacts of invasive species, industrial chemicals orland use, and their assessment for landscape planning. In particular, we look at colonization patterns of aquatic fauna, material flows and ecosystem services also beyond ecosystem boundaries. As part of our research projects, we use a wide range of classical and modern methods to quantify ecological effects in the field and identify relevant processes.
In addition, the protection of endangered species as part of the scientific monitoring of reintroduction measures and their success is a large part of our research work. In this context, individual species often serve as flagship or umbrella species for nature conservation, as species conservation projects also indirectly improve the quality of habitats or even entire ecosystems.
Research topics
1. Community structure & bioindicators
| Knowledge on community and food web structures provide valuable insights into the condition of more than just aquatic ecosystems. An integrative and process-oriented analysis of colonization patterns and ecosystem functions can be used to determine the effectiveness of restoration activities and risk mitigation measures for various anthropogenic influences and to integrate the knowledge gained into further planning processes. |
2. Streams and their landscape
| Although the "River Continuum Concept" by Vannote et al. (1980) already describes reciprocal material and energy flows between water and land, this aspect of the holistic view of our water bodies in the landscape has so far received comparatively little attention. In this context, both horizontal (aquatic-terrestrial interactions) and longitudinal interactions (biotope networks) are of great importance in order to identify leverage points for the protection of biodiversity. |
3. Species conservation
| In 1992, the EU decided to establish the Natura 2000 network of protected areas in order to ensure the conservation of wild plant and animal species and their natural habitats. In addition to the existing Birds Directive, the Fauna-Flora-Habitat (FFH) Directive was adopted and various species and habitats were listed as particularly of interest for conservation. Individual species often serve as flagship or umbrella species for nature conservation, as species conservation projects also indirectly improve the quality of habitats or even entire ecosystems. |