By means of integrative approaches we pursue projects on the systematics, biogeography, ecology and life strategies of recent mammals, birds, amphibians & reptiles, fish and molluscs. Focussing on terrestrial tropical hotspots of species diversity, but also on native fauna, we combine field research, collection work and laboratory analyses, such as molecular genetic work, the investigation of stable isotopes or the preparation of three-dimensional CT scans of skeletons. Especially our research projects in Baden-Württemberg are increasingly based on the involvement of qualified citizen scientists.
Zoology: Research
Bildkollage ein Vogel, eine Schnecke, ein Lurch und ein Koboldmaki vor einem Bild aus einem Regenwald. Zwischen den Tieren ist ein schematischer Stammbaum abgebildet
Team Zoology
Head of Department:
- PD Dr. Stefan Merker – Mammalogy
Deputy head of Department:
- Dr. Friederike Woog – Ornithology
Curators:
- Dr. Ronald Fricke – Ichthyology
- PD Dr. Alexander Kupfer – Herpetology
- PD Dr. Stefan Merker – Mammalogy
- Dr. Ira Richling – Malacology
- Dr. Friederike Woog – Ornithology
Research associates:
- M.Sc. Ilse Barraza Soltero – Doctoral student – Herpetology
- Dipl.-Biol. Holger Haag – Ornithology
- M.Sc. Margaret Eppli – LAK BW coordinator
- Dipl.-Biol. Cornelia Krause – Malacology
- M.Sc. Nina Tombers – Doctoral student – Malacology
Preparation / Technical Assistance:
- Dagmar Beermann
- Sarah Gaugel – Assistance to the research group "Hybridization and Speciation"
- Joseph Kälberer
- Steffen Lässle
- Giuseppe Lo Cacciato
- M.Sc. Markus Weinhardt
- Christiane Zeitler
- Dominik Farkas
Voluntary Service
Alumni
Citizen Science
LAK - National Species Mapping
Species distribution data is essential for daily conservation work. Information about species occurrence is a basis for specific protective actions. At the same time, they help to evaluate the technical planning transactions. Current distribution maps are also an essential part in the evaluation of conservation conditions of species as required in the Fauna-Flora-Habitat-Directive (FFH).
The German state Baden-Württemberg wants to close the currently existing data gaps in different ways. Extremely rare and high-endangered species were frequently surveyed as part of the Species- and Biotope Conservation Program Baden-Württemberg. This also includes special protective measures, which were planned and implemented in this program.
Considering the more popular species, the state wants to rely more often on the active volunteering in nature conservation, which has been committed for the protection und preservation of species since years.
In 2014 the German state Baden-Württemberg launched a pilot project together with the State Museum of National History Stuttgart and the nature conservation associations ABS, BUND, LVN and NABU: “National species mapping – amphibian and reptiles”.
Find more information on: https://www.lubw.baden-wuerttemberg.de/natur-und-landschaft/landesweite-artenkartierung-lak
Malacological working group Baden Württemberg (at the Stuttgart State Museum of Natural History)
In 2014, the malacological working group BW was re-activated. Its last important activity consisted in the publication of the red list of molluscs of Baden-Württemberg in 2008. Since re-establishment a meeting in spring at the Stuttgart State Museum of Natural History (general information exchange, planning activities, talks) and a three-days-excursion in autumn to various regions of the state take place on a regular basis. The excursions try to close major gaps in existing distribution data and serves the recruitment and training of young and future malacologists.
The main goal of the working group is the improvement of the knowledge on the local malacological fauna. This encompasses the digital collection and aggregation of existing distribution data, the continous update and analyses of the regional bibliography as well as mapping activities focussed on species, habitats or regions and the re-evaluation of critical records and species identifications.
Everybody interested in malacology is welcome to join the working group and its activities.
Head of the working group: Dr. Ira Richling