Impact control in Wildlife management

Wildlife management not only requires targeted planning but should always incorporate systematic evaluation. Without such evaluation, it remains unclear how different management measures affect both wildlife populations and the habitats they utilize.

A central research focus of our department is therefore the assessment of management outcomes and interventions. We examine and analyse targeted management approaches and evaluate their effectiveness on a scientifically robust basis. This includes, among other aspects, the analysis of hunting bag data, for example in relation to adjustments in hunting seasons and/or methods, as well as changes in legal frameworks. In addition to purely ecological considerations, socio-economic factors are also taken into account in order to understand and mitigate actual or potential human–wildlife conflicts.

The following current projects fall within this research focus:

Research projects:

REHA

	-----------	The forest-rich Harz region has been particularly severely affected by bark beetle damage. Extensive areas of forest dieback have fundamentally altered the landscape. Forestry, natural water regimes, and biodiversity have been heavily impaired. The widespread forest damage, visible from afar, has triggered additional challenges affecting not only the forestry and timber sectors but also tourism. Owing to the large-scale open areas, the region now faces a fresh start. This challenge must be used as an opportunity to ensure that reforestation efforts optimally account not only for silvicultural and timber-production requirements but also for impacts on tourism, ecosystem services, and climate-related risks.