Research

Research

Our research largely focuses on the causes and consequences of functional connectivity in terrestrial wildlife species. Our work combines novel landscape genetics approaches with methods and concepts from movement ecology, and makes strong use of spatial modelling and individual-based simulations. Consequently, our research amalgamates various data types (relocations obtained from satellite-telemetry, genetic and environmental data), spans multiple spatio-temporal scales (meters to km, days to decades), and addresses questions related to different levels of biodiversity (from individuals to populations, from genes to ecosystems). Specifically, we currently conduct connectivity research at the level of…

…Individuals

We use and develop sophisticated methods to quantify individual behaviours from movement tracks derived from satellite-telemetry data. We have, for example, developed an R package for in-depth home range analysis, provided guidance for choosing appropriate methods for path-segmentation, and developed a new semivariance approach for understanding environmental impacts on movement.

We combine telemetry data, landscape genetics and spatial modelling to understand environmental effects on movement and gene flow among populations in fragmented habitats. For example, we have developed a corridor model for Belize, predicted hotspots for future human-elephant conflicts in the borderlands area between Kenya and Tanzania, and are evaluating meta-population connectivity in red deer across Germany. Understanding population connectivity is also important for understanding local adaptation, and for conserving the adaptive capacity and evolutionary potential of wildlife populations in heterogeneous and changing environments. Landscape genomics methods are increasingly used in this context.

…Communities

Movement behaviour of one species may also have consequences for other species. For example, we are trying to understand how landscape structure influences movements of meso-predators in fragmented landscapes, and how this affects predation rates of an endangered, ground-breeding bird, the grey partridge.

…Ecosystems

Animal movements can also impact important ecosystem processes, because animals act as “mobile links” within the ecosystems. For example, we are studying the impacts of space-use behaviour in herbivores on vegetation dynamics in open grasslands. Similarly, we are interested in the role of small mammals as seed predators and dispersers in different forest ecosystems.