Research interests

• Ecophysiology and behaviour of small mammals
• Ecology of hibernators
• Evolution of life history strategies
• Male and female reproductive costs
• Fragmentation
• Feeding ecology

 

 

 

Scientific projects

The ultimate goal of my research is to understand mechanisms underlying demographic responses of mammals to environmental changes. Therefore I investigate morphometrical, physiological and behavioural adaptations of small mammals to abiotic factors, resource availability and habitat fragmentation and the consequences of these responses for their life history strategies, reproduction and survival.
I have chosen small mammals as study organisms, as they are subject to strong energetic constraints, show pronounced demographic variations, depending on resource availability and are comparatively easy to access, which enables us to apply ecophysiological methods under evolutionary relevant conditions in the field. Furthermore, small mammals are known to perform central service functions within the ecosystem and play a prominent role within the food web affecting the abundance of numerous other animal and plant species.
My research is based on field studies in which I integrate experimental approaches and ecophysiological methods and combine them with laboratory and captive studies.