Research in Biodiversity and Habitats
Our research comprises the enhancement of biodiversity and conservation of habitats for flora and fauna in natural, semi-natural and managed ecosystems.
Biodiversity describes the richness and variety of species, habitats and landscapes and the genetic diversity. Biodiversity supports our natural wealth, and is the foundation of a healthy planet, but is however under a high pressure.
In our research we use long term experimental sites and monitoring to study the processes and landscape elements (e.g. hydrology, dead wood, soil nutrients, topography) that are key factors for maintenance of biodiversity. And we investigate how different management options such as grazing, choice of tree species and structure in production forests influence biodiversity.
We work interactively on functional aspects of biodiversity investigating types of nature, related organisms and external influences.
An essential result is the development of methods to encourage variety in forests, countryside and cities.
Special attention is given to invasive species and climate change, which is a major threat to the natural flora and fauna.
Research questions
Our core research questions are:
Our research forms the basis of Denmark’s international commitment to monitor, protect and promote biodiversity as part of the implementation of The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD 1994) and the European Network for nature conservation, Natura2000 forest habitat.
Read more about:
- Biodiversity and succession
- Species, Resilience and Climate Change
Inger Kappel Schmidt, - last update:27 February 2012