Workpackages of Subproject S09

Workpackage WP09.1

Prof. Dr. Florian Jeltsch, University of Potsdam
jeltsch@rz.uni-potsdam.de

Dr. Niels Blaum, University of Potsdam
blaum@rz.uni-potsdam.de

Bernd Wasiolka, University of Potsdam
wasiolka@rz.uni-potsdam.de

Dr. Eva Rossmanith, University of Potsdam
rossmani@rz.uni-potsdam.de

Monika Schwager University of Tübingen
monika.schwager@uni-tuebingen.de

Dr. Jork Meyer University of Marburg
jork.meyer@staff.uni-marburg.de

A scaling up in understanding the impact of landuse and ecological large-scale processes on structural and species diversity

Short description: Workpackage 9.1 aims at an understanding of the impact of a region-wide mosaic of differently used farms and the resulting dynamic pattern of vegetation structure on spatial population dynamics of selected animal species. It combines a spatial explicit modelling approach of vegetation and animal populations with animal ecological and genetic studies on habitat use, abundance, and dispersal at a region-wide scale. The study is located in the region around BIOTA observatory Alpha in the Southern Kalahari.

Workpackage WP09.2

Dr. W.R.J. Dean, University of Cape Town
lycium@mweb.co.za

Prof. Dr. Sue Milton, University of Stellenbosch
sukaroo@mweb.co.za

Colleen Seymour, University of Cape Town
cseymore@botzoo.uct.ac.za

Water availability and landuse as drivers of arid Camelthorn (Acacia erioloba) woodland demography and biodiversity dynamics

Short description: Workpackage 9.2 deals with the effects of landuse and climate on the population structure of a protected indigenous desert tree Acacia erioloba (Camelthorn), and the consequences of changes in tree populations on associated faunas. The pilot phase research found that Camelthorn firewood is in great demand in cities, as well as in rural areas. In the next three years we will explore the consequences of harvesting and various types of landuse on changes in tree demography, invasion of woodland by alien trees, and changes in fauna scenarios. The study is located on a rainfall gradient around BIOTA observatory Alpha in the Southern Kalahari.

Workpackage WP09.3

Prof. Dr. Florian Jeltsch, University of Potsdam
jeltsch@rz.uni-potsdam.de

Alexander Popp, University of Potsdam
apopp@rz.uni-potsdam.de

Linking socio-economic models and methods with spatio-temporal vegetation simulations

Short description:The aim of workpackage 9.3 is a better understanding of the complex interactions between socio-economy and vegetation dynamics as a basis for long-term management and sustainable use. Using the example of the Gellap Ost/ Nabaos observatories in Namibia, we will link two different traditions of modelling - the ecological and the socio-economic modelling approach. The close collaboration between experts of both socio-economic and ecological modelling will allow a balanced modelling approach that combines relevant processes on either level.

Workpackage WP09.4

Prof. Dr. Peter Poschlod, University of Regensburg
peter.poschlod@biologie.uni-regensburg.de

Anne Krämer, University of Regensburg
anne.kraemer@biologie.uni-regensburg.de

Prof. Dr. Gretel van Rooyen, University of Pretoria
gretel.vanrooyen@up.ac.za

Studying plant functional traits and identifying plant functional types to provide a framework to the understanding of the interactions between environment and plant species at local and regional scales

Short description: Workpackage 9.4 aims to elucidate the effect of land use on plant functional traits related to persistence, establishment and dispersal. The focal points are seed bank composition, leaf traits and dispersal potential, which are experimentally investigated for all species. Data is collected along grazing gradients and will be used to predict continuous persistence and dispersal efficiency of the vegetation in the context of climate change. The study is located in the region around BIOTA observatory Alpha in the Southern Kalahari.

Workpackage WP09.5

Prof. Dr. Florian Jeltsch, University of Potsdam
jeltsch@rz.uni-potsdam.de

Monika Schwager University of Tübingen
monika.schwager@uni-tuebingen.de

Dr. Eva Rossmanith, University of Potsdam
rossmani@rz.uni-potsdam.de

Dr. Niels Blaum, University of Potsdam
blaum@rz.uni-potsdam.de

Dr. Katrin Vohland, University of Potsdam
vohland@rz.uni-potsdam.de

Testing a functional type approach for modelling and understanding the relationship between structural diversity and species diversity

Short description: In workpackage 9.5, we will evaluate a modelling approach which is based on functional traits to integrate the knowledge on specific species to a general interpretation on the influence of landuse and the resulting pattern of structural diversity on overall species diversity. The study focuses on animal species, as well as on plant species, and is located in the region around BIOTA observatory Alpha in the Southern Kalahari.