Animal ecology and ecosystem functioning

We aim at understanding the ecology of animals and their role in the structure and functioning of the socio-ecological systems they inhabit. Our empirical and theoretic work encompasses topics such as spatial and temporal dynamics of trophic interactions, movement ecology, resource ecology, plant-animal interactions, and the impacts of global change on animals, humans and their ecosystems. Our cross continental work encompasses temperate and boreal forests, savanna, tundra, and high altitude and central Asian grasslands with species such as moose, white rhinos and saiga antelope.

We endeavor towards promoting high-quality science and its direct applications for society both nationally and internationally. To achieve the latter, we closely collaborate with industry, governmental agencies, NGOs and other national and international universities as well as global environmental agencies.

Development of methods and techniques to analyze ecological data is another vital dimension of our work. We combine the latest techniques in ecology, from wireless remote animal monitoring, GIS and remote sensing, to experimental ecology in the field as well as the greenhouse. Some of our specific skills include improving animal handling techniques to reduce stress, developing and handling large databases, and biodiversity monitoring. To get a better understanding of population processes, we use long-term data on the species and their habitats.  By using other sources of historical data we analyze the driving forces behind major shifts in wildlife management.

Projects

• Animal migrations and their causes and consequences
• Linking animal movement- demography and climate change
• Internal and external costs and benefits of animal movement
• Monitoring and management of coupled-human natural systems
• Impact of ungulates on ecosystem processes and biodiversity
• HOTSPOT – Resource hotspots and the role of apex predators in terrestrial ecosystems.
• History of wildlife populations and their management