Our main topics of interest are:
We study how various facets of biodiversity affect ecosystem functioning and the contributions of ecosystems to people. To understand the underlying mechanisms, we rely on the largest network of tree diversity experiments worldwide TreeDivNet. Our aim is to provide knowledge relevant for the restoration of degraded forest landscapes, mainly in the tropics.
We develop methods to monitor biodiversity at various spatial scales (from plot to landscapes), across taxonomic groups (from plants to mammals) and at various levels of biological organization (from species to ecosystems). This is done by combing remote sensing methods such as terrestrial laser scanning, drone and satellite imagery with field work. We apply our monitoring framework to various places such as the Swiss Jura or oceanic islands. Our research aims to provide useful knowledge to monitor biodiversity at the scale relevant for decision makers.
We study the effectiveness of conservation actions focusing on endangered species of vertebrates and invertebrates, and their habitats. We aim to provide scientific evidences to guide conservation in practice.
We investigate how population dynamics are shaped by demography, spatial processes, and environmental variation across ecological systems. This is done by integrating demographic data with spatial and environmental information to understand the mechanisms driving population change. We work with long-term monitoring data from a variety of species (e.g., songbirds, waterfowl, ungulates, Lepidoptera) to disentangle drivers and model population dynamics. Our goal is to provide the knowledge needed to understand past and future dynamics and to support effective conservation and management under rapid environmental change.
Contact: Ellen Martin
