Dynamic Macroecology ¶

Head: Prof. Dr. Niklaus E. Zimmermann

We conduct data- and model-based analyses of the effects of climate change on biodiversity and thus provide an important basis for decision-making for the future - both internationally and nationally. We develop models and theories that explain the distribution and interaction of species, both regionally and globally, and on a time scale ranging from the last ice age to the future. Our work helps to better assess the consequences of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems and, where necessary, to take appropriate measures at an early stage. Our data and models are also extremely useful when it comes to implementing ecological restoration and nature conservation projects in the best possible way.

Services und Products ¶

CHELSA is a high-resolution climate dataset for the global land surface. It is hosted by WSL and is in great demand among ecologists interested in the distribution of species. The temperature and precipitation data are updated monthly.

TreeMig is a dynamic forest model at landscape level. It simulates how different tree species develop and spread in Switzerland and beyond, taking into account climate, seed dispersal and competition.

KISSMig is a simple, raster-based model for the programming language R to simulate the dynamics of species distributions. Starting from an initial distribution, KISSMig generates future distributions based on constant or changing suitability maps.

FlorID is a tool that automatically identifies plants in the field. To identify an observed species, FlorID interprets photos as well as habitat information, which is obtained by matching coordinates and observation date with high-resolution maps of climate, soil composition, vegetation, and land use.

The book "Flora indicativa" includes ecological indicator values and biological characteristics of around 5500 vascular plant species, 600 moss species and 200 lichen species of the flora of Switzerland and the Alps. The extensive main tables are digitally available.

Projects ¶

ECHOES integrates climate impact models with audio-visual art, using speculative design to convey complexities and engage diverse audiences.

Mitarbeitende ¶