We research into the ecological needs of species, and we use that knowledge to evaluate synergies and trade-offs between ecological needs and economic or social objectives. We perform ecological field studies and use population modelling to understand and predict how species develop under changing environments. To do so, we develop integrated statistical models, and we estimate demographic parameters of species, including difficult to study species, such as rare, small or migratory species. To make ecological knowledge available for informing conservation decisions, we develop mathematical system-models and apply formal decision analyses. Thereby, we can identify optimal decisions when multiple objectives are important and even though scientific results are uncertain. 

Specific examples: 

1. We study how grazing affects soil properties and its associated ecosystem services and use that knowledge to inform management of grazing in nature reserves.
2. The secretly living Citril finch’s population has been steadily declining over the last decades. We aim at identifying drivers of the population dynamics and we develop locally adapted conservation measures in collaboration with farmers.

PI: Fränzi Korner-Nievergelt (University of Basel)

People: Valentin Amrhein (University of Basel), Stefanie Gubler (SCNAT), 
Jasmin Liedtke (Phd, University of Basel), Judith Stalder (UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch)