Research interests

• Ecophysiology
• Stress physiology
• Conservation biology
• Land use
• Marine iguana ecology
• Small mammal ecology

 

 

 

Scientific projects

Habitat changes due to disturbance and land use modify population dynamics and affect species diversity. However, before this occurs, animals may be “stressed” by the external influences. Thus, I investigate changes of the physiological stress responses, health and condition of animals as a result of habitat changes. Comparing different forest management types with distinct structural diversity I study two sympatric small mammal species, the yellow-necked field mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) and the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus). Physiological responses are among the first systemic responses to habitat change and thus especially suitable as early indicators. In a novel approach I integrate several complementary measures to estimate the animals’ health state, i.e. endocrine stress response, its feedback with immunocompetence, body condition, and evaluation of metabolic rates. I also estimate population size, reproductive output and measure the activity range of individuals with radio-tracking. This integrative approach permits determination of feedback loops between land use patterns and species diversity.