Our research addresses a wide range of topics in conservation biology, biodiversity science, and ecology - from local habitat restoration measures to global issues of species distribution and biodiversity conservation. Our research is interdisciplinary and combines field work, genetic analyses, biodiversity monitoring and ecological modelling.

A particular focus is faunistic nature conservation in the context of climate and land-use change and the global biodiversity crisis. In particular, we focus on faunal elements relevant to nature conservation in Central Europe and the Global South. Questions on the distribution, genetic diversity, habitat suitability and connectivity of animal species and populations are key aspects of our work – as well as the increasing ecological and conservation significance of neobiota and invasive species.

Ongoing research projects focus on

• restoration of degraded peatlands to promote insect diversity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• the biodiversity of paludicultures (cultivation of cattail, reed, and peat moss on rewetted fen and bog soils)
• the effects of ground-mounted photovoltaic and agrivoltaic on biodiversity
• the role of agroforestry systems as habitat for different species groups
• conservation genetics as an instrument for species and population protection
• biodiversity monitoring to assess and evaluate biological diversity
• ecological modelling to analyse habitat suitability, distribution, and connectivity
• diversity, ecology and distribution of freshwater turtles and tortoises

We aim to provide practical findings for the protection and management of species and habitats. At the same time, we seek to contribute new impulses to faunal research and to prepare students for current and future challenges in both academic and applied conservation contexts.

In our study projects and theses, students work on current issues of faunistic species conservation and the protection and development of habitats.

The focus is on animal groups relevant to conservation planning, including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians as well as various insect taxa (e.g. carabid beetles, butterflies, and dragonflies). The projects address key challenges of faunistic nature conservation - such as the promotion of insect diversity through peatland restoration, the preservation and restoration of faunistic biodiversity in agricultural landscapes, climate adaptation measures, wilderness in urban areas or the compatibility of biodiversity and renewable energies. Dealing with invasive species and issues of habitat quality and population connectivity are also central topics.

Students acquire knowledge about the biology, ecology, distribution, threat and protection of native animal species and suitable methods for recording and monitoring them in the field. They become familiar with ecological modelling, conservation genetics and ecological field methods as key instruments in applied nature conservation.

Close cooperation with conservation authorities, landscape management organizations, and environmental planning offices, as well as the integration of students into ongoing research projects, ensures a strong link between research, teaching, and real-world conservation practice.