Population ecology unit

Our research focuses on the ecological and evolutionary processes shaping animal and plant populations. We investigate dynamics and long-term viability of populations in relation to anthropogenic disturbance such as changes in land-use, climate and other environmental factors and we develop new theories of population dynamics and species conservation. We suggest how to apply this population-based information on applied questions linked to biodiversity loss and wildlife management at local and regional scales, and design new evidence-based conservation strategies for the future.

The unit runs several long-term population studies, large repeated inventories, experiments both in laboratory and field and our main research interests are listed below. Several of our projects are collaborations with other units at the department of Ecology, such as the units of landscape ecology, conservation biology, wildlife ecology and plant-insect interactions. We also collaborate extensively with researchers at other universities and research institutes.

Research

Population and evolutionary dynamics in disturbed ecosystems

Stochastic population growth and population extinction risk

Biodiversity in relation to landscape characteristics and human disturbance 

Research – stakeholder collaboration
 

Teaching

We are involved in teaching the following courses

Bachelor level

Conservation Biology  (P Forslund, T Pärt)
Diversity of Organisms  (T Pärt)
Ecology, 15 credits  (G Hartman)
Ecology, 10 credits  (G Hartman)
Vertebrate zoology  (G Hartman)
Wildlife biology , (G Hartman)

Master level

Applied population biology  (P Forslund, AT Laugen, M Low, M Öberg)
Conservation biology  (AT Laugen)
Ecological concepts  (M Low)
Landscape ecology  (S Eggers, M Low)
 

Environmental monitoring and assessment

National Inventory of Landscapes in Sweden  (NILS)
People involved: A Glimskär, M Kindström

Long-term monitoring of biodiversity, human impact and landscape context of mires, grasslands and landscape features at the regional level via NILS
People involved: A Glimskär

Development of remote sensing methods and indicators for regional monitoring of exploitation along inland shores
People involved: M Kindström

Delimitation of the historical agricultural landscape from aerial photographs
People involved: M Kindström