Institute of Ecology

Organisational unit: Institute

Organisation profile

The Institute of Ecology is the biological and natural science department of Leuphana University of Lüneburg. Research focuses on the effects of global changes such as climate change and land use change on organisms and communities biodiversity loss as well as on biological and chemical processes. In cooperation with the human sciences, socio-economic factors of ecosystem research are considered.

Main research areas

Research foci at the Institute of Ecology are the effects of global change such as climate change and land use change on organisms and their communities and on biological functional and chemical processes. The focus is on the causes and effects of declining animal and plant populations as well as current biodiversity loss and the associated changes in abiotic and biotic ecosystem functions. In collaboration with human science research groups at Leuphana University, socio-economic factors of ecosystem research are also jointly considered.

Experimental research takes place both in laboratories, in greenhouses and in open spaces at Leuphana University. Further, many investigations take place in cultivated landscapes and in urban areas. The field studies are carried out in various countries of the temperate and Mediterranean latitudes and the tropics and sub-tropics, but also regionally, e.g. in Lüneburg and the Lüneburg Heath. Research cooperations exist with many different national and international universities and non-university institutions such as local nature conservation organizations and schools. Particularly noteworthy are the cooperations with the Alfred Töpfer Academy for Nature Conservation and the biosphere reserve administration Niedersächsische Elbtalaue.

The courses range from basic and advanced courses in various sub-fields of ecology and biology, including the performance of experiments in laboratory practicals and in the field, to interdisciplinary courses in the Bachelor's and Master's programs.

In interdisciplinary courses, contents from the fields of landscape ecology, botany, soil ecology, zoology, genetics and nature conservation are linked together, as well as courses that combine different disciplines of the natural sciences with those of the human sciences.

  1. 2013
  2. Published

    Land sparing versus land sharing: moving forward

    Fischer, J., Abson, D., Butsic, V., Chappell, M. J., Ekroos, J., Hanspach, J., Kuemmerle, T., Smith, H. G. & von Wehrden, H., 2013, ASPECTS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY 121: Rethinking Agricultural Systems in the UK. AAB, p. 105-107 3 p. (Aspects of Applied Biology).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksPublished abstract in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

  3. Published
  4. Published

    Ökologische Bedeutung von Wildnisgebieten - das Beispiel Buchenwald-Ökosysteme

    Härdtle, W. & Oheimb, G., 2013, Natura 2000 im Wald - Lebensraumtypen, Erhaltungszustand, Management. Stefan, L., Ellwanger, G., Buschmann, A., Frederking, W., Schröder, E., Ssymank, A. & Pausch, C. (eds.). Bundesamt für Naturschutz, p. 51-64 14 p. (Naturschutz und biologische Vielfalt; no. 131).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    Pollination of apple variaties across Europe: Dependecy on cross pollination and visitor communities

    Boreux, V. E., Garratt, M., Klein, A.-M., Kovacs-Hostyánszki, A., Mayer, A., Somay, L. & Steffan-Dewenter, I., 2013, Building Bridges in Ecology – Linking Systems, Scales and Disciplines: Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Ökologie. Göttingen: Gesellschaft für Ökologie, p. 85 1 p. (Verhandlungen der Gesellschaft für Ökologie; no. 43).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksPublished abstract in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Postkonstruktivismus - Jenseits von Postmoderne und cultural turn

    Dörfler, T. & Rothfuß, E., 2013, In: Berichte zur deutschen Landeskunde. 87, 2, p. 195-203 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  7. Published

    Resilience or vulnerability? Vegetation patterns of a Central Tibetan pastoral ecotone

    Miehe, G., Miehe, S., Bach, K., Wesche, K., Seeber, E., Behrendes, L., Kaiser, K., Reudenbach, C., Nölling, J., Hanspach, J., Herrmann, M., Yaoming, M. & Mosbrugger, V., 2013, Steppe Ecosystems: Biological Diversity, Management and Restoration. Morales Prieto, M. B. & Traba Diaz, J. (eds.). Hauppage, New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc., p. 111-151 41 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  8. Published

    School children collect seed removal data as citizen scientists - a win-win-situation?

    Miczajka, V. L., Pufal, G. & Klein, A.-M., 2013, Building Bridges in Ecology – Linking Systems, Scales and Disciplines: Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Ökologie. Gesellschaft für Ökologie, p. 432 1 p. (Verhandlungen der Gesellschaft für Ökologie; no. 43).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksPublished abstract in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

  9. Published

    Schutzgebiete Deutschlands im Klimawandel: Risiken und Handlungsoptionen

    Vohland, K. (Editor), Badeck, F., Böhning-Gaese, K., Ellwanger, G., Hanspach, J., Ibisch, P. L., Klotz, S., Kreft, S., Kühn, I., Schröder, E., Trautmann, S. & Cramer, W., 2013, Münster: BfN-Schriftenvertrieb im Landwirtschaftsverlag. 233 p. (Naturschutz und Biologische Vielfalt; vol. 129)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesMonographsResearch

  10. Published

    Schutz, Nutzung und nachhaltige Gestaltung – Geschlechteraspekte im Umgang mit Natur

    Katz, C. & Mölders, T., 2013, Geschlechterverhältnisse und Nachhaltigkeit: Die Kategorie Geschlecht in den Nachhaltigkeitswissenschaften. Hofmeister, S., Katz, C. & Mölders, T. (eds.). Opladen: Verlag Babara Budrich, p. 269-276 8 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesEducation

  11. Published

    Teamarbeit: Honigbienen können nur gemeinsam mit wildlebenden Insekten die Bestäubung von Kulturpflanzen sichern

    Klein, A.-M., 2013, In: Deutsches Bienen-Journal. 21, 5, p. 12-13 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    The role of nesting resources and competition between honey bees and wild bees in the Lüneburger Heath

    Hudewenz, A. & Klein, A.-M., 2013, Building Bridges in Ecology – Linking Systems, Scales and Disciplines: Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Ökologie. Gesellschaft für Ökologie, p. 79-80 2 p. (Verhandlungen der Gesellschaft für Ökologie; no. 43).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksPublished abstract in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

  13. 2012
  14. Published

    Germination performance of native and non-native Ulmus pumila populations

    Hirsch, H., Wypior, C., von Wehrden, H., Wesche, K., Renison, D. & Hensen, I., 14.12.2012, In: NeoBiota. 15, 15, p. 53-68 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published
  16. Published

    Assessment of trace metal contamination in a historical freshwater canal (Buckingham Canal), Chennai, India

    Jayaprakash, M., Nagarajan, R., Velmurugan, P. M., Sathiyamoorthy, J., Krishnamurthy, R. R. & Urban, B., 12.2012, In: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 184, 12, p. 7407-7424 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Competition response of European beech Fagus sylvatica L. varies with tree size and abiotic stress: Minimizing anthropogenic disturbances in forests

    Fichtner, A., Sturm, K., Rickert, C., Härdtle, W. & Schrautzer, J., 12.2012, In: The Journal of Applied Ecology. 49, 6, p. 1306-1315 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  18. Published

    High Trophic Similarity in the Sympatric North European Trawling Bat Species Myotis daubentonii and Myotis dasycneme

    Krüger, F., Harms, I., Fichtner, A., Wolz, I. & Sommer, R. S., 12.2012, In: Acta Chiropterologica. 14, 2, p. 347-356 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    Fukushima disaster indirectly threatens lake ecosystems

    Matsuzaki, S.-I., Von Wehrden, H., Møller, A. P. & Takamura, N., 01.11.2012, In: Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. 10, 9, p. 464-464 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  20. Published

    Functional trait similarity of native and invasive herb species in subtropical China-Environment-specific differences are the key

    Bachmann, D., Both, S., Bruelheide, H., Erfmeier, A., Ding, B.-Y., Gao, M., Härdtle, W. & Scherer-Lorenzen, M., 01.11.2012, In: Environmental and Experimental Botany. 83, p. 82-92 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    Comparison of nutrient removal capacity and biomass settleability of four high-potential microalgal species.

    Su, Y., Mennerich, A. & Urban, B., 11.2012, In: Bioresource Technology. 124, p. 157-162 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    Predator assemblage structure and temporal variability of species richness and abundance in forests of high tree diversity

    Schuldt, A., Bruelheide, H., Härdtle, W. & Aßmann, T., 11.2012, In: Biotropica. 44, 6, p. 793-800 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  23. Published
  24. Published

    A new method for collecting agile tiger beetles by live pitfall trapping

    Taboada Palomares, A., Pérez-Aguirre, C. & Aßmann, T., 10.2012, In: Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. 145, 1, p. 82-87 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    Mechanisms promoting tree species co-existence: Experimental evidence with saplings of subtropical forest ecosystems of China

    Lang, A. C., Härdtle, W., Baruffol, M., Böhnke, M., Bruelheide, H., Schmid, B., Von Wehrden, H. & Von Oheimb, G., 10.2012, In: Journal of Vegetation Science. 23, 5, p. 837-846 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    Shrub management is the principal driver of differing population sizes between native and invasive populations of Rosa rubiginosa L

    Zimmermann, H., von Wehrden, H., Renison, D., Wesche, K., Welk, E., Damascos, M. A. & Hensen, I., 10.2012, In: Biological Invasions. 14, 10, p. 2141-2157 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Sugars and amino acid composition in nectar of two plant species along a plant diversity gradient

    Venjakob, C., Leonhardt, D. S., Scherber, D. C. & Klein, P.A.-M., 10.09.2012, In: Verhandlungen der Gesellschaft für Ökologie. 42, p. 54 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference abstract in journalResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Different responses of ant species to sugars and amino acids in a subtropical forest of China 

    Methorst, J., Klein, A.-M., Blüthgen, N., Leonhardt, S. & Staab, M., 09.2012, From Basic Ecology to the Challenges of Modern Society, Book of abstracts: 42nd Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of Germany, Austria and Switzerland (GfÖ), Lüneburg, Germany, 10-14 September 2012. Drees, C. & von Oheimb, G. (eds.). Berlin: Gesellschaft für Ökologie, Vol. 42. p. 56-57 2 p. (Verhandlungen der Gesellschaft für Ökologie; no. 42).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksPublished abstract in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

  29. Published
  30. Published

    Tri‐trophic interaction networks along a tree diversity gradient of BEF‐China

    Staab, M., Blüthgen, N. & Klein, A.-M., 09.2012, In: Verhandlungen der Gesellschaft für Ökologie. 42, p. 175 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference abstract in journalResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

     Visiting communities of extrafloral nectaries in a subtropical Chinese forest 

    Peters, J., Klein, A.-M., Blüthgen, N. & Staab, M., 09.2012, In: Verhandlungen der Gesellschaft für Ökologie. 42, p. 56 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference abstract in journalResearchpeer-review

  32. Published

    Sight or scent: lemur sensory reliance in detecting food quality varies with feeding ecology.

    Rushmore, J., Leonhardt, S. & Drea, C. M., 03.08.2012, In: PLoS ONE. 7, 8, 11 p., e41558.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    Coupled nutrient removal and biomass production with mixed algal culture: Impact of biotic and abiotic factors

    Su, Y., Mennerich, A. & Urban, B., 08.2012, In: Bioresource Technology. 118, p. 469-476 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    Does isolation affect phenotypic variability and fluctuating asymmetry in the endangered Red Apollo?

    Habel, J. C., Reuter, M., Drees, C. & Pfaender, J., 08.2012, In: Journal of Insect Conservation. 16, 4, p. 571-579 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Landscape moderation of biodiversity patterns and processes - eight hypotheses

    Tscharntke, T., Tylianakis, J. M., Rand, T. A., Didham, R. K., Fahrig, L., Batáry, P., Bengtsson, J., Clough, Y., Crist, T. O., Dormann, C. F., Ewers, R. M., Fründ, J., Holt, R. D., Holzschuh, A., Klein, A.-M., Kleijn, D., Kremen, C., Landis, D. A., Laurance, W., Lindenmayer, D., Scherber, C., Sodhi, N. S., Steffan-Dewenter, I., Thies, C., van der Putten, W. H. & Westphal, C., 08.2012, In: Biological Reviews. 87, 3, p. 661-685 25 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  36. Published

    The ground beetle tribe Trechini in Israel and adjacent regions

    Aßmann, T., Buse, J., Chikatunov, V., Drees, C., Friedmann, A.-L.-L., Härdtle, W., Levanovy, T., Renan, I., Seyfferth, A. & Wrase, D. W., 08.2012, In: Spixiana - Zeitschrift für Zoologie. 35, 2, p. 193-208 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  37. Published

    Global food security, biodiversity conservation and the future of agricultural intensification

    Tscharntke, T., Clough, Y., Wanger, T. C., Jackson, L., Motzke, I., Perfecto, I., Vandermeer, J. & Whitbread, A., 07.2012, In: Biological Conservation. 151, 1, p. 53-59 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    Plant traits affecting herbivory on tree recruits in highly diverse subtropical forests

    Schuldt, A., Bruelheide, H., Durka, W., Eichenberg, D., Fischer, M., Kröber, W., Härdtle, W., Ma, K., Michalski, S. G., Palm, W.-U., Schmid, B., Welk, E., Zhou, H. & Assmann, T., 07.2012, In: Ecology Letters. 15, 7, p. 732-739 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    The same, but different: Pollen foraging in honeybee and bumblebee colonies.

    Leonhardt, S. & Blüthgen, N., 07.2012, In: Apidologie. 43, 4, p. 449-464 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    Herbivore and pollinator responses to grassland management intensity along experimental changes in plant species richness

    Hudewenz, A., Klein, A.-M., Scherber, C., Stanke, L., Tscharntke, T., Vogel, A., Weigelt, A., Weisser, W. W. & Ebeling, A., 01.06.2012, In: Biological Conservation. 150, 1, p. 42-52 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published

    Multitrophic effects of experimental changes in plant diversity on cavity-nesting bees, wasps, and their parasitoids

    Ebeling, A., Klein, A.-M., Weisser, W. W. & Tscharntke, T., 06.2012, In: Oecologia. 169, 2, p. 453-465 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    Wild pollination services to California almond rely on semi-natural habitat

    Klein, A.-M., Brittain, C., Hendrix, S. D., Thorp, R., Williams, N. & Kremen, C., 06.2012, In: Journal of Applied Ecology. 49, 3, p. 723-732 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  43. Published

    Niche segregation in microhabitat use of three sympatric Cyrtodactylus in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Central Vietnam

    Loos, J., von Wehrden, H., Dang, K. N. & Ziegler, T., 06.05.2012, In: Herpetological Conservation and Biology. 7, 1, p. 101-108 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    Crown plasticity and neighborhood interactions of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in an old-growth forest

    Schröter, M., Härdtle, W. & Oheimb, G., 05.2012, In: European Journal of Forest Research. 131, 3, p. 787-798 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    Der Fischotter (Lutra Lutra) in Schleswig-Holstein - Signatur einer rückwandernden, bedrohten Wirbeltierart und Konsequenzen für den Naturschutz

    Grünwald-Schwark, V., Zachos, F. E., Honnen, A.-C., Borkenhagen, P., Krüger, F., Wagner, J., Drews, A., Krekemeyer, A., Schmüser, H., Fichtner, A., Behl, S., Schmölcke, U., Kirschnick-Schmidt, H. & Sommer, R. S., 05.2012, In: Natur und Landschaft. 87, 5, p. 201-207 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Impact of tree saplings on the kinetic energy of rainfall: The importance of stand density, species identity and tree architecture in subtropical forests in China

    Geißler, C., Lang, A. C., Oheimb, G., Härdtle, W., Baruffol, M. & Scholten, T., 15.04.2012, In: Agricultural and Forest Meteorology. 156, p. 31-40 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published

    Consequences of nuclear accidents for biodiversity and ecosystem services

    von Wehrden, H., Fischer, J., Brandt, P., Wagner, V., Kümmerer, K., Kuemmerle, T., Nagel, A., Olsson, O. & Hostert, P., 01.04.2012, In: Conservation Letters. 5, 2, p. 81-89 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  48. Published

    Nitrogen deposition increases susceptibility to drought - experimental evidence with the perennial grass Molinia caerulea (L.) Moench

    Friedrich, U., Oheimb, G., Kriebitzsch, W.-U., Schleßelmann, K., Weber, M. S. & Härdtle, W., 04.2012, In: Plant and Soil. 353, 1-2, p. 59-71 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    Global assessment of the non-equilibrium concept in rangelands

    Wehrden, H. V., Hanspach, J., Kaczensky, P., Fischer, J. & Wesche, K., 03.2012, In: Ecological Applications. 22, 2, p. 393-399 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    Impact of emission reductions between 1980 and 2020 on atmospheric benzo[a]pyrene concentrations over europe

    Bieser, J., Aulinger, A., Matthias, V. & Quante, M., 03.2012, In: Water, Air, and Soil Pollution. 223, 3, p. 1393-1414 22 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    α- and β-diversity in moth communities in salt marshes is driven by grazing management

    Rickert, C., Fichtner, A., van Klink, R. & Bakker, J. P., 02.2012, In: Biological Conservation. 146, 1, p. 24-31 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  52. Published