Biodiversity Seminar: Of Mice, Predators and Songbirds: Ecological Relationships in an Unpredictable World
Datum:
Ort:
WSL Birmensdorf, Hörsaal
Organisiert von:
Biodiversity Center, WSL
Vortrag:
Gilberto Pasinelli, Vogelwarte
Moderation:
Eckehard Brockerhoff, WSL
Sprache(n):
English
Veranstaltungstyp:
Presentations and colloquia
Zielpublikum:
Anyone interested in the topics
Abstract ¶
Temperate forests are characterized by irregularly occurring seed masts. The mass availability of tree seeds (beech nuts, acorns, etc.) in these mast years constitutes a resource pulse that has far-reaching consequences for many organisms. These include forest-dwelling rodents, their predators, and their prey. An example of such a prey species is the wood warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix. As a long-distance migrant, the wood warbler faces the question every spring of where the conditions for reproduction might be most favorable. In addition to the structural properties of the habitat, this ground-nesting songbird must also consider the presence of predators, which fluctuate unpredictably due to the seed masts. The talk addresses ecological relationships across trophic levels induced by intermittent seed masts in central European forests and also explores the possible consequences of changing seed mast regimes mediated by climate change for songbird population dynamics. Finally, lessons learned for the conservation and promotion of this endangered bird species are discussed.
About the speaker ¶
Gilberto Pasinelli
Swiss Ornithological Institute
My general research interests are in behavioral and population ecology as well as in conservation biology. Currently, I am studying the consequences of seed masts in temperate European forests for songbird population biology. I am also interested in how forest management can be reconciled with the ecological needs of endangered woodpecker species. As scientific director, I oversee the research at the Swiss Ornithological Institute. As an associated lecturer, I teach “Ornithology” and “Wildlife Ecology and Conservation” at the University of Zurich.
How to join ¶
Our public seminars are hybrid, with the option to attend in-person or online.
Zoom webinar: link (ID: 650 3334 2319, Password: 348826)
Biodiversity Seminars ¶
The Biodiversity Seminar Series are organized by the WSL Biodiversity Center. Every two weeks, we aim to host a seminar speaker who presents research or outreach on topics relevant to the biodiversity community at WSL. The seminars are public and are usually broadcast online.
To find out more about the WSL Biodiversity Center and a complete list of events, please visit our website.
Please send an email to events-biodiversity(at)wsl.ch if you would like to be updated on the activities of the WSL Biodiversity Center.
Contact ¶
How to get here ¶
Zürcherstrasse 111, 8903 Birmensdorf
By public transport ¶
Bus stop Birmensdorf ZH, Sternen/WSL
Accessible by bus lines 220 and 350 via Wiedikon/Triemli or via Birmensdorf station with S-Bahn lines 5 and 14.
By car ¶
See map on map.search.ch or Google Maps
You'll find guest parking spaces (for a fee) behind the main building after passing the main entrance.