We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of evolution, ecology, and conservation biology to understand the mechanisms that generate and maintain biodiversity in the world's Biodiversity Hotspots. These are regions that have extraordinarily high species richness and endemism, but also face increasing threat due to humans and climate change. We uncover the potential effects of past and imminent extinctions using phylogenetic, genomic, modelling and field approaches. With our work we aim to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity protection in these unique systems and strengthen our international collaborations.
Membersof this group
Our Research themes & structure
We study macroevolutionary and macroecological patterns and the processes that shaped them through time. We focus on different Hotspot regions and taxonomic groups, including plants, birds, mammals, and fish, with focus on (oceanic) islands, Madagascar, Southeast Asian islands, mountain regions (e.g., Andes), the Atlantic Forest, and Mediterranean-type ecosystems (e.g., Cape Floristic Region).
Leading questions in our group, are:
● What causes the exceptional diversity found on continental and insular biodiversity hotspots?
● How do the key macroevolutionary processes of speciation, dispersal, trait evolution and extinction operate in these regions?
● How are anthropogenic extinctions disturbing the natural conditions of biodiversity hotspots?
● Can we predict the effects of extinction on the ecosystems of these regions in the Anthropocene?
