Biodiversity
In biodiversity research, we focus on long-term observation (monitoring) of the change in species composition and ecosystems, but also on the studies of global biodiversity using modern methods of remote sensing and molecular genetics.
Research topics
Biodiversity change in Africa
Africa's biodiversity is threatened by expanding land use and climate change and it is changing rapidly. Together with our African partners, we have established the largest continental network of long-term observation sites (observatories). In Southern Africa alone, species are quantified and ecosystem functions measured on 54 areas of typically one square kilometre per year.
Time series of coverage of a plant species (columns) and precipitation (red line)
Biodiversity patterns and their environmental drivers
Biodiversity patterns and their biotic (grazing) and abiotic (soil, climate) drivers are studied at different spatial scales (1 m² to 1 km²) in Southern Africa. Annual changes in species composition and plant diversity and the role of grazing and intra- and inter-annual variations in weather conditions are analysed on the basis of time series data of more than 20 years. The time series studies are conducted on the biodiversity observatories that were established in the region in 2001 (www.sasscalobservationnet.org).
Biodiversity remote sensing
In cooperation with remote sensing experts from the University of Trier, we map the vegetation and its changes on the basis of satellite data and ground surveys. This combination of methods makes it possible to produce reliable maps even for regions that are difficult to access, such as the upper Okavango Basin.
Overview of forest resources in southern Africa
The status of forest resources in the west of southern Africa (Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia) will be assessed based on current threats and management practices.
Closed Miombo forest formed by the occurrence of Cryptosepalum exfoliatum ssp. pseudotaxus De Wild. is characterized by rounded grassed areas; western Zambia (Google Earth image and photo: P. Sichone).
Photo-website for Southern Africa
Identifying plants in Africa is problematic and time-consuming because there is a lack of literature for determination. That's why we have created a website that already displays more than 2,500 plant species with numerous photos. The project is active and the number of images continues to grow. In the near future, we will also be offering a digital key that will enable identification via simple features.
Sustainable food supply chains
The initial focus of scientific research was on reaching individual Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Now, the focus of scientific interest is increasingly directed to conflicts resulting from the integration of various Sustainable Development Goals. Focusing on the conflicts between the two SDGs "Life on land - Protecting biodiversity" and "Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns" we are examining, for example, to what extent actors in the food supply chain can assess and reduce their respective ecological footprint.
Vegetation mapping of Southern Africa
Together with the African partners of the SASSCAL project, we have recorded the plant species on more than 27,000 vegetation photos of 1000m². With this data we are currently working on a classification and vegetation map of the region, which includes Angola, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana and parts of South Africa.