Author: Thierry Helminger

Full title: Behaviour of captive-reared and wild-caught stone martens (Martes foina) after re-release, and the effectiveness of translocation as a managing tool.

Abstract

It is common practice to rehabilitate wounded or orphaned wildlife with the intention of re-releasing them into the wild, or to capture, trans-locate and re-release animals that cause disturbance to humans or damage property. The proposed project aims to investigate the post-release behaviour of stone martens (Martes foina) and to assess the welfare implications and practical efficiency of re-release as a management strategy. Stone martens have been chosen as subjects because they are common in urban and rural environments throughout most of Europe including Luxembourg, and they are responsible for various sources of human/wildlife conflict. Captive reared orphaned and wild-caught adult stone martens will be radio tracked after rerelease, and their behaviour and survival rates recorded under two different release regimes (‘soft’ and ‘hard’ release). A questionnaire survey will be conducted to see whether the problems that led to the capture and relocation of the wild-captured adult martens ceased after the removal of the martens from their territory; or whether the territory was reoccupied and the problems persisted. The overall aim of the study is to improve re-release protocols so as to (a) optimize the chances of survival and the welfare of the re-released stone martens after and during the process of release, and to (b) minimize the likelihood of further human/wildlife conflict.

Status of PhD

Supervisor at university: Prof Timothy J. Roper, Biology & Environmental Science, School of life sciences, University of Sussex.

Supervisor in Luxembourg: Edmée Engel, Musée national d’histoire naturelle Luxembourg.

PhD granted by Fonds national de la recherche Luxembourg. Duration:  3 years (20.04.2009 – 19.04.2012).

Host institution: Fondation faune-flore @ Centre de recherche scientifique, Musée national d’histoire naturelle.

Contact

M. Sc. Lieke Mevis
Musée national d’histoire naturelle
Centre de recherche scientifique
Zoologie des vertébrés
24, rue Münster
L-2160 Luxembourg
lmevis@mnhn.lu

Publications and not published works

• Mevis L (2005) The influence of social rank and environmental factors on the behaviour of captive ostriches (Struthio camelus) in Central Europe (Luxembourg). Bachelor Thesis, Anglia Ruskin University.
• Mevis L (2006) Processes underlying the spread of a novel behaviour through a group of long tailed macaques. Masters Thesis, University of Utrecht.
• Mevis L (2007) Post-conflict Behaviour in free-ranging male stumptail macaques (Macaca arctoides). Masters Thesis, University of Utrecht.
• Richter C, Mevis L, Malaivijitnond S, Schülke O, Ostner J (2009) Social Relationships in Free-Ranging Male Macaca arctoides. International Journal of Primatology 30, 4: 625-642.

Talks and poster presentations

• Mevis L, Richter C, Ostner J, Schülke O (2007) Post-conflict behaviour in free-ranging male stumptail macaques (Macaca arctoides). 2^nd Congress of the European Federation for Primatology. Charles University, Prague.

Full title: What really counts – changes in ground beetle assemblages on the Keuperscharren in the Luxembourg and Bitburger Gutland since the nineteen-eighties

Abstract

Twentieth century anthropogenic global change has already affected all of the earth biota. One-third to one half of earth’s ice free surface has been transformed by human land use. This land cover change represents the most important component of global change now, and will do so for the next decades to come.

Especially for semi-natural grasslands in Central- Europe intensification or abandonment has resulted in a dramatic reduction of such habitats. The Keuperscharren in the Bitburger and Luxembourger Gutland present examples for the threat through abandonment. Because they are rated as historical dry grasslands (cultural-historical meaning), the Scharren in the Bitburger Gutland are protected by the Habitat Directive. This implies a prohibition of degradation for those sites.

To satisfy this claim, a fundamental knowledge of factors, influencing this habitat is vital. Carabid beetles can be used very well as indicator species to determine the stability or changes in habitats. Therefore, in this study, the factors determining stability or changes on the Keuperscharren should be defined, based on a habitat suitability model and autecological studies for the representative carabid species. Based on a microsatellite analysis, the effect of habitat fragmentation on the genetic interchange between the different sites and potential genetic depletion will be measured. Based on that knowledge, propositions for a customized management for such sites can be made. This will contribute vital information to fulfil the requirements of protecting those Keuperscharren as places with a cultural – historical meaning. Furthermore this study will provide valuable data for the endeavour to compile a Red List on the Ground beetles in Luxembourg or a Red List of the Rhine-Province.

Status of PhD

Supervisor at university: Prof. Dr. Roland Klein , FB VI Geography, faculty of biogeography, university of Trier.

Supervisor in Luxembourg: Marc Meyer, Musée National d´histoire naturelle Luxembourg.

PhD granted by Fonds national de la recherche Luxembourg. Duration: 3 years (01.09.2009 – 31.08.2012).

Host institution: Fondation faune-flore @ Centre de recherche scientifique, Musée national d’histoire naturelle.

Contact

Dipl. Biogeogr. Bettina Augenstein
Musée national d’histoire naturelle
Centre de recherche scientifique
Laboratoire/Section Zoologie des invertébrés
24, rue Münster
L-2160 Luxembourg
bettina.augenstein@mnhn.lu

Publications and not published works

• Augenstein B (2007) Laufkäferzöbnosen in Weinbergsbrachen als Nahrungsgrundlage für das Große Mausohr. Dipl. Thesis. (pages? University?)
• Habel JC, Augenstein B, Nève G, Rödder D (2010) Population genetics and ecological niche modelling reveal high fragmentation and potential future extinction of the endangered relict butterfly Lycaena helle. In: Habel JC, Assmann T (Eds.) (2010) Relict Species. Phylogeography and Conservation Biology. XV, 449 p. ISBN: 978-3-540-92159-2.
• Schmitt T, Augenstein B, Finger A (2008) The influence of viniculture and its fallow stages on the butterfly diversity in a wine growing region of southwestern Germany. European Journal of Entomology 105: 249-255.

Talks and poster presentations

• Augenstein B (?) Laufkäferzönosen auf Weinbergslagen als Nahrungsgrundlage für Myotis myotis. Talk, annual meeting, Landesfachausschuss Fledermausschutz. (Where?)
• Augenstein B (?) Anwendung und Funktionsweise von Ökologischen Nischenmodellen. Talk, annual meeting, Gesellschaft für Angewandte Carabidologie. (Where?)

Full title: Spatiotemporal Pattern and other Ecological Aspects of the Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) as an Alien Species in Luxembourg

Abstract

[singlepic=106,300,,,right]Invasive species have become an ecological and economic problem all over the world. In Luxembourg this problem becomes obvious particularly with freshwater mussels. This applies above all to the last population of the seriously endangered freshwater pearlmussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) in Luxembourg, which is located in the Natura 2000 area „Vallée supérieure de l’Our et affluents de Lieler à Dasbourg”. With respect to its population decline, the invasive species muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) plays an important part as a predator of the mussels. This rodent occurs in the same area and caused a large-scale damage in the last mussel beds in 2005/06. Therefore, to reduce the impact, trapping of the muskrat started in 2007 with uncertain success. To evaluate and improve the conservation management system of the mussels and to elucidate the ecological requirements of the muskrat in montane areas scientific work has to be done.

The study, which is run in the Our river system, aims at the determination of the space use pattern of the muskrat (e.g., annual and seasonal size and location of home ranges, habitat preferences, dispersion pattern) on the level of individuals and the population to elucidate the spreading pattern of the species with respect to the colonisation and recolonisation of (new) habitats. Another objective is the assessment of muskrat impact on freshwater mussels in the respective section of the Our river. Together with the collection of structural parameters of the population (e.g., population size, age and sex structure, reproduction rate) of the muskrat the study will deliver important data for improving the already running managment of the muskrat.

Status of PhD

PhD interrupted.

Supervisor at university: Prof. Dr. rer. Nat. habil. Mechthild Roth, Chair of Forest Zoology, Department of Forestry, Dresden University of Technology

Supervisor in Luxembourg: Edmée Engel, curator, section zoologie des vertébrés, MNHN

PhD granted by Fonds national de la recherche Luxembourg. Duration: 3 years (01.02.2009 -31.01.2012).

Host institution: Fondation faune-flore @ Centre de recherche scientifique, Musée national d’histoire naturelle.

Contact

Frank Richarz
Musée national d’histoire naturelle
Centre de recherche scientifique
Laboratoire / Section zoologie des vertébrés
24, rue Münster
L-2160 Luxembourg
frank.richarz@mnhn.lu

Publications and not published works

• Richarz F, Elle O, Zimmermann M (2007) Massenhaftes Auftreten der Südlichen Eichenschrecke (Meconema meridionale) in Trier als Erstnachweis einer etablierten Population im rheinland-pfälzischen Moseltal. Articulata 22(1): 81-90.
• Richarz F (o.J.) (non publ.) Entwicklung und Evaluierung eines non-invasiven Monitoringinstruments für Mauswiesel (Mustela nivalis L. 1766) und Hermelin (Mustela erminea L. 1758). Diploma Thesis, University of Trier.

Full title: Analysis for the definition of subspecies of the common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis, Laurenti 1768) living in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Abstract

The common wall lizard is a warmth – loving species which is mainly spread in the Mediterranean area. Its northern area of circulation spreads over the north of France, Luxembourg, along the Maas in Belgium, the south of the Netherlands (with the northernmost existing population in Maastricht), scattered appearances in the Eifel area and the Rhine area as far as Bonn. In its northern area of circulation there are probably the following two subspecies: Podarcis muralis brogniardi in the northern Eifel area and the Vennvorland as well as Podarcis muralis merremia at the Rhine and the Moselle.

During the field mapping processes for the “Atlas of Reptiles” of the grand duchy of Luxembourg morphological differentiations came to the attention of the originators. These correspond to the observations and results of the applicant during his dissertation. Accordingly, two subspecies appear to exist in Luxembourg which are only slightly separated in geographical terms, but at the same time both appear at their northern border of circulation. Expansive behaviour of the species is being reported from the Saarland, which has not yet been proven for Luxembourg. If the species behaves expansively in Luxembourg, a bioturbation of the subspecies should occur within a few years. This has to be assumed, because several new habitats have been mapped for the first time between the localities of the Luxembourg – populations with the potential subspecies. A bioturbation of the species would severely exacerbate the differentiation. At present there is still a chance of reconstructing the immigration – route of the species into its northern area of circulation throughout a differentiation of the subspecies.

All of the Luxembourg – populations are being examined morphologically as well as genetically and compared to European reference – populations, thus making an identification of the subspecies possible. Furthermore the routes of immigration of the subspecies in its northern area of circulation are examined. The intended assignment is meant to make a contribution to showing the special importance of Luxembourg for the differentiation of the subspecies of this species.

Status of Phd

Supervisor at university: Prof. Dr. Jobst Meyer, Department of Neurobehavioral Genetics, Psychobiologie, University of Trier (D)

Supervisor in Luxembourg: Edmée Engel, curator, section zoologie des vertébrés, MNHN

PhD granted by Fonds national de la recherche Luxembourg. Duration: 2 years (01.04.2008 – 31.03.2010).

Host institution: Fondation faune-flore @ Centre de recherche scientifique, Musée national d’histoire naturelle.

Contact

Dr. Franz Gassert

Vogelsang 34
D-54292 Trier

Musée national d’histoire naturelle
Centre de recherche scientifique
Laboratoire / Section zoologie des vertébrés
24, rue Münster
L-2160 Luxembourg
phone: (+352) 46 22 33 – 414
FRANZ.GASSERT@gmx.de

Publications and not published works

• Gassert F (2000) Genetische Isolation der Mauereidechsenpopulationen Podarcis muralis (Laurenti 1768) der Stadt Trier. Diplomarbeit. Universität Trier.
• Gassert F (2005) Untersuchung der genetischen Diversität ausgewählter Populationen der Mauereidechse (Podarcis muralis, Laurenti 1768) mit Hilfe der Mikrosatelliten-DNA-Analyse. Dissertation, Universität Trier.
• Gassert F ( 2007) Podarcis muralis. Pp. 30-35 in: Proess R (éd.) 2007. Verbreitungsatlas der Reptilien des Großherzogtums Luxembourg. Ferrantia 52. 58 p.
• Gassert F, Kautenburger R, Müller P (2002) Populationsgenetische Untersuchungen isolierter Mauereidechsenpopulationen (Podarcis muralis Laurenti, 1768) der Stadt Trier. Mitt. Biog. 26: 1-14.
• Kautenburger R, Eisenbarth D, Gassert F, Langer M, Müller P (2001b): Genetic analyses of natural populations in agriculturally used ecosystems in the Trier region. Verh. Ges. Ökologie 31: 271.
• Müller P, Kautenburger R, Elle O, Gassert F, He X, Langer M, Bürger K, TU, N. (2002): Flächennutzungsinduzierte Anpassungsprozesse, molekulargenetische Veränderungen und Indikationsbedeutung von Organismen in der Region Trier als Grundlagen für verbesserte Umweltmanagementstrategien. In: Müller, Rumpf & Monheim (2002) Umwelt und Region. Aus der Werkstatt des Sonderforschungsbereichs 1: 137-142.
• Müller P, Kautenburger R, Elle O, Schmitt T, Eisenbarth D, Gassert F, Langer M, Quack M, Peter T, Rölker T (2002) Veränderungen und Anpassungsprozesse von Tier- und Pflanzenpopulationen in agrarisch und forstlich genutzten Ökosystemen der Region. Ergebnisbericht des Sonderforschungsbereichs 522 – Umwelt und Region: 165-188.

Full title: Mountain areas and their importance for the conservation of plant diversity in Central European grasslands

Abstract

Many formerly common plant species of nutrient-poor grasslands have strongly declined in Europe in the last decades due to changes in land use practices and the use of mineral fertilizers, resulting in the destruction and fragmentation of these grasslands. In mountain areas the intensification of land use practices has only recently begun and many grasslands are still nutrient-poor and traditionally managed. Thus, while populations of declining plant species in lowland areas are often small and very isolated, the same species often still have large populations in mountain areas. These regions might thus be important reservoirs for the conservation of plant diversity and serve as sources for reintroductions. However, lowland and mountain populations of declining plant species may differ genetically because of local adaptation, the extent of which is currently unknown.

To assess the possible role of mountain regions for the conservation of regional plant diversity we will study the population genetics and local adaptation of Arnica montana, a characteristic plant species of nutrient-poor grasslands in lowland populations of Luxemburg and neighbouring regions in France and upland populations of the Vosges mountains using molecular markers, quantitative genetics and reciprocal transplant experiments.

Status of Phd

Supervisor at university: Prof. Dr. Serge Muller, Université Paul Verlaine, Metz, France.

Supervisor in Luxembourg: Dr. Guy Colling, MNHNL

PhD granted by the Luxembourg Ministry of Culture, Higher Education and Research. Duration: 01.07.2007 – 31.12.2008.

PhD applied at Fonds national de la recherche Luxembourg. Duration: 01.01.2009 – 31.06.2010.

Host institution: Laboratoire des Interactions Ecotoxicologie, Biodiversité, Ecosystèmes @ Université Paul Verlaine, Metz, France.

Contact

Tiphaine Maurice

Université Paul Verlaine – Metz
Laboratoire des Interactions Ecotoxicologie, Biodiversité, Ecosystèmes
U.F.R. Sci.F.A., Campus Bridoux, Avenue du Général Delestraint
F – 57070 Metz
E-mail : tiphaine.maurice@umail.univ-metz.fr

Department of Population Biology
Musée national d’histoire naturelle
25, rue Munster
L-2160 Luxembourg

Image gallery

Full title: Population biology of endangered plant species in newly available habitats

Abstract

Habitat fragmentation and habitat deterioration are considered to be the major reasons for the decline in the number of populations of many plant species, which are now often threatened with local extinction. Today, nutrient-poor calcareous grasslands are among the most threatened habitat types and often exist only as remnant islands in a matrix of unsuitable environment.
Many of the typical grassland species are therefore today restricted to isolated and often small populations. Small and isolated populations face an increased risk of extinction for a number of reasons. Environmental stochasticity is considered to be the main threat, but the loss of genetic variability due to genetic drift and inbreeding, and demographic stochasticity may also affect small populations in particular. Although there are numerous studies of declining populations in fragmented landscapes, few have analyzed the ecological and genetic processes of the colonization of newly created, unoccupied habitat patches. However, the ability to colonize new suitable habitats may be crucial for the long-term persistence of many rare and endangered plant species in changing landscapes. The probability of the foundation of new populations is linked to certain plant traits, in particular the ability of long distance dispersal.

We investigate the population biological processes of colonization events in the newly available calcareous grassland habitats at the former opencast mining sites in the south of Luxembourg. As model species we chose Anacamptis pyramidalis and Iberis amara. We analyse the population structure, demography and population genetics of both species. Our study will contribute to a better understanding of the processes involved in long distance dispersal and founder events and will also have implications for the conservation and management of the newly formed calcareous grasslands at the former open-pit mines.

Status of Phd

Supervisor at university: Prof. Dr. Diethart Matthies, Phillipps-Universität Marburg

Supervisor in Luxembourg: Dr. Guy Colling, MNHNL

PhD granted by the Luxembourg Ministry of Culture, Higher Education and Research. Duration: 2 years (01.03.2007 – 28.02.2009).

Host institution: Fondation faune-flore @ Centre de recherche scientifique, Musée national d’histoire naturelle.

Contact

Ronny MOZEK

Musée national d’histoire naturelle
Centre de recherche scientifique
Biologie des populations
24, rue Münster
L-2160 Luxembourg
phone: (+352) 46 22 40 – 226
fax: (+352) 46 38 48
rmozek@mnhn.lu

Publications

• Dechamps C, Noret N, Mozek R, Escarré J, Lefèbvre C, Gruber W, Meerts P (2007) Cost of adaptation to a metalliferous environment for Thlaspi caerulescens: a field reciprocal transplantation approach. New Phytologist 177 (1): 167-177. [abstract]
• Dechamps C, Noret N, Mozek R, Draye X, Meerts P (2008) Root allocation in metal-rich patch by Thlaspi caerulescens from normal and metalliferous soil—new insights into the rhizobox approach. Plant Soil 310: 1-2. [abtsract and pdf]

Poster presentations

• Mozek R, Colling G, Matthies D (2007a) Population structure of Anacamptis pyramidalis in highly disturbed landscapes. Popbio 2007, 20th Annual Conference of the Plant Population Biology Section of the Ecological Society of Germany, Switzerland and Austria (GfÖ). Basel, Switzerland, 17–19 May 2007.
• Mozek R, Colling G, Matthies D (2007b) Population structure of Anacamptis pyramidalis in highly disturbed landscapes. 37th Annual Conference of the Ecological Society of Germany, Switzerland and Austria (GfÖ). Marburg, Germany, 10-14 September 2007.

Full title: Habitat and distribution analysis of high mountain burnet moths in the Central Pyrenees

Abstract

Zygaena anthyllidis and  Z. exulans are two burnet moths (Zygaenidae) predominantly occurring at altitudes above the timberline. While Z. anthyllidis is endemic to the Pyrenees, Z. exulans has, as is characteristic for glacial relicts, a disjunct, boreo-alpine distribution with isolated populations in northern Europe (Scotland, Scandinavia) and the alpine zone of the central and partially southern European mountain ranges.

Relict populations are much more vulnerable than populations with an even or wide-spread distribution pattern. And this not only in the case of  catastrophic events, but also in the case of gradual changes such as habitat fragmentation, land-use or climatic changes impact on isolated populations. The aim of the study is to investigate the impacts of such adverse changes on alpine environments and to contribute to our knowledge regarding biodiversity conservation. The two Zygaena species qualify as sensitive indicators to changes of alpine environments as both have limited flight capabilities and their altitudinal range extends that of most other butterfly species. The Pyrenees are a prime study area as the range of the endemic Z. anthyllidis overlaps with the south-western range margin of Z. exulans.

Habitat suitability models in combination with autecological studies are conducted to identify those environmental parameters explaining the distribution of the two species at the landscape scale and the species’ habitat requirements. Based on their requirements different grazing measures are evaluated as grazing is regarded as an important parameter driving the species’ abundance and presence. Using these findings and large-scale presence/absence data habitat models will be used to predict the current distribution of the two burnet moths. Additionally a phylogenetic analysis of both species will be conducted. Furthermore the genetic structure of the Pyrenean population of both species will be analysed to complement the ecological studies.

Contact

Dipl.-Landschaftsökologin Petra Dieker
Musée national d’histoire naturelle Luxembourg
25, rue Münster
L-2160 Luxembourg
Phone: +352 46 22 33 225
Fax: +352 47 51 52
petra.dieker@uni-muenster.de

Status of PhD

Supervisor at university Prof. Dr. H. Mattes (University of Münster)
Supervisor in Luxembourg Marc Meyer (National Museum of Natural History Luxembourg)

PhD granted by the Luxembourg Ministry of Culture, Higher Education and Research. Duration: 3 years (01.07.2007-30.06.2010)

AFR extension granted by Fonds national de la recherche Luxembourg. Duration: 01.07.2010 – 30.06.2011.

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1. Ecology, Syntaxonomy, Chorology and Nature Conservation.
2. Impact of climatic change on competition behavior of Fagus sylvatica and Quercus petraea.

Abstract

(1) The past few years have seen the completion of 14.000 relevés of dry site, near-natural forests, all commissioned by the Luxembourg forest administration (Administration des eaux et forêts). In the first project phase these data will be complemented by material from our own relevés as well as from relevés performed in the course of other studies in order to create a complete survey of all forest plant communities in Luxembourg. The results will be published in a monography coedited by the Musée national d’histoire naturelle and the Administration des eaux et forêts.

(2) In the second phase of the project the impact of climate change on the growth of Fagus sylvatica and Quercus petraea will be examined. Dendrochronological analysis will enable us to examine whether modifications of individual climate factors (precipitation deficit during the vegetation period) have been reflected in dilatation growth of these species over approximately the last 150 years. Sites will be selected where modifications in competition dynamics between beech and oak are most likely to occur, such as sandstone soils with a relatively thin humus layer (e.g. ranker) and low water capacity.

Status of Postdoc

Supervisor at university: Prof. Dr. Werner Härdtle, University of Lüneburg.

Supervisor in Luxembourg: Dr. Christian Ries, MNHNL.

Postdoc granted by the Luxembourg Ministry of Culture, Higher Education and Research. Duration: 2 years (01.08.2006-31.07.2009). The postdoc project runned in co-operation with the Luxembourg forest administration (Administration des eaux et forêts) and the consultancy EFOR Ingénieurs-Conseils.

A monograph on the forest vegetation of Luxembourg was submitted for publication in Ferrantia in November 2008.

Dendrochronological analysis is ongoing in a joint project between Leuphana (University Lüneburg) and National Museum of Natural History Luxembourg. Duration: 1 year (2008-2009).

Contact

Dr. Thomas Niemeyer

Universität Lüneburg
Institut für Ökologie und Umweltchemie
Scharnhorststr.1
D-21332 Lüneburg
phone: +049 (0) 4131 677-2857
fax: +049 (0) 4131 677-2808
thomas.niemeyer@uni-lueneburg.de

Musée national d’histoire naturelle
Centre de recherche scientifique
Laboratoire d’écologie
24, rue Münster
L-2160 Luxembourg

Publications

• Härdtle W, Niemeyer T, Assmann T, Meyer H, Oheimb VG (2006) Can prescribed burning compensate for atmospheric nutrient loads in wet heathlands? Phytocoenologia (accepted).
• Niemeyer M, Niemeyer T, Mohamed A, Fottner S, Härdtle W (2006) Impact of sod-cutting and choppering on nutrient budgets of dry heathlands. Biological Conservation (in press)
• Mohamed A, Härdtle W, Jirijahn B,Niemeyer T, Oheimb VG (2006) Effects of prescribed burning on plant available nutrients in dry heathland ecosystems. Plant Ecology (in press).
• Härdtle W, Niemeyer M, Niemeyer T, Assmann T, Fottner S (2006) Can management compensate for atmospheric nutrient deposition in heathland ecosystems? Journal of Applied Ecology 43: 759-769.
• Niemeyer T, Niemeyer M, Mohamed A, Fottner S, Härdtle W (2005) Impact of prescribed burning on the nutrient balance of heathlands with particular reference to nitrogen and phosphorus. Applied Vegetation Science 8: 183-192.
• Niemeyer T, Fottner S, Mohamed A, Sieber M, Härdtle W (2004) Einfluss kontrollierten Brennens auf die Nährstoffdynamik von Sand- und Moorheiden. NNA-Berichte 17, 2: 65-79, Schneverdingen.
• Fottner S, Niemeyer T, Sieber M, Härdtle W (2004) Einfluss der Beweidung auf die Nährstoffdynamik von Sandheiden. NNA-Berichte 17, 2: 80-91, Schneverdingen.
• Sieber M, Fottner S, Niemeyer T, Härdtle W (2004) Einfluss maschineller Pflegeverfahren auf die Nährstoffdynamik von Sandheiden. NNA-Berichte 17, 2: 92-107, Schneverdingen.
• Fottner S, Niemeyer T,Sieber M, Härdtle W (2004) Zur kurzfristigen Vegetations-entwicklung auf Pflegeflächen in Sand und Moorheiden. NNA-Berichte 17, 2: 126-136, Schneverdingen.
• Härdtle W, Fottner S, Niemeyer T,Sieber M, Mohamed A (2004) Nährelementaustrag aus Heideökosystemen durch verschiedene Pflegeverfahren – eine integrierende Betrachtung. NNA-Berichte 17, 2: 123-125, Schneverdingen.
• Fottner S, Niemeyer T, Sieber M, Härdtle W (2004) Auswirkungen unterschiedlicher Pflegemaßnahmen auf die Stickstoffdynamik von Heideökosystemen in Nordwest-deutschland. – Schriftenreihe für Landschaftspflege und Naturschutz, Bonn – Bad Godesberg.
• Niemeyer T, Fottner S, Sieber M, Härdtle W (2003) Impact of different management practices on the nutrient dynamics in heathland (Lower Saxony, Germany).- In: Alfred Toepfer Akademy fo Nature Conservation (ed.): 8th European Heathland Workshop, Abstracts p. 23, Schneverdingen, Germany.
• Niemeyer T, Sieber M, Wiemerslage S, Härdtle W (2002) Impact of different methods of heathland management on the nutrient balance and vegetation dynamic. Ver. GfÖ 32: 129, Cottbus.

1. Ökologie, Syntaxonomie, Chorologie und Naturschutz.
2. Einfluss von Klimaveränderungen auf das Konkurrenzverhalten von Fagus sylvatica und Quercus petraea.

Zusammenfassung

(1) In den vergangenen Jahren wurden im Auftrag der luxemburgischen Forstverwaltung (Administration des eaux et forêts) ca. 14.000 Vegetationsaufnahmen in naturnahen Waldbeständen trockener Standorte angefertigt. Ziel der ersten Projektphase ist es, dieses Datenmaterial mit eigenen und bereits existierenden Vegetationsaufnahmen aus anderen Untersuchungen zu ergänzen, um eine vollständige Übersicht aller Waldgesellschaften in Luxemburg erarbeiten zu können. Die Ergebnisse sollen in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Musée national d’histoire naturelle sowie der Administration des eaux et forêts in einer Monographie publiziert werden.

(2) In einer zweiten Projektphase werden die Auswirkungen möglicher Klimaveränderungen auf den Wuchs (Dilatationswachstum) ausgewählter Baumarten (Fagus sylvatica und Quercus petraea) untersucht. Mit Hilfe dendrochronologischer Analysen soll untersucht werden, wie sich das Dickenwachstum der genannten Baumarten während der vergangenen (ca.) 150 Jahre verändert hat beziehungsweise ob sich Veränderungen einzelner Klimafaktoren (wie z.B. Niederschlagsdefizit während der Vegetationsperiode) im Dilatationswachstum dieser Baumarten widerspiegeln. Dazu werden vorrangig Standorte betrachtet, auf denen Veränderungen in der Konkurrenzdynamik zwischen Buche und Eiche am ehesten zu erwarten sind. Dies sind Böden aus Sandstein mit relativ geringmächtigen Humushorizonten (z.B. Ranker), also mit vergleichsweise geringer Wasserkapazität.

Status des Postdocs

Betreuung an der Uni: Prof. Dr. Werner Härdtle, Universität Lüneburg

Betreuung in Luxembourg: Dr. Christian Ries, MNHNL

Das Postdoc-Forschungsprojekt wird durch das luxemburgische Ministerium für Kultur, Hochschulwesen und Forschung gefördert. Laufzeit: 2 Jahre (01.08.2006 – 31.07.2008). Das Projekt läuft in Zusammenarbeit mit der Forstverwaltung (Administration des eaux et forêts) und dem Ingenieurbüro EFOR Ingénieurs-Conseils.

Eine Monographie über die Vegetation der Wälder Luxemburgs ist zur Veröffentlichung in die Reihe Ferrantia im November 2008 eingereicht worden.

Die dendrochronologischen Analysen werden im Rahmen eines gemeinsamen Projektes der Uni Lüneburg und des naturhistorischen Museums durchgeführt. Laufzeit: 1 Jahr (2008-2009).

Kontakt

Dr. Thomas Niemeyer

Universität Lüneburg
Institut für Ökologie und Umweltchemie
Scharnhorststr.1
D-21332 Lüneburg
phone: +049 (0) 4131 677-2857
fax: +049 (0) 4131 677-2808
thomas.niemeyer[at]uni-lueneburg.de

Musée national d’histoire naturelle
Centre de recherche scientifique
Laboratoire d’écologie
24, rue Münster
L-2160 Luxembourg

Publikationen

HÄRDTLE, W., NIEMEYER, T., ASSMANN, T., MEYER, H. & OHEIMB, V.G. (2006). Can prescribed burning compensate for atmospheric nutrient loads in wet heathlands? Phytocoenologia (accepted).

NIEMEYER, M., NIEMEYER, T., MOHAMED, A., FOTTNER, S. & HÄRDTLE, W. (2006). Impact of sod-cutting and choppering on nutrient budgets of dry heathlands. Biological Conservation: (in press)

MOHAMED, A., HÄRDTLE, W., JIRIJAHN, B., NIEMEYER, T. & OHEIMB, V.G. (2006). Effects of prescribed burning on plant available nutrients in dry heathland ecosystems. Plant Ecology: (in press).

HÄRDTLE, W., NIEMEYER, M., NIEMEYER, T., ASSMANN, T., FOTTNER, S. (2006). Can management compensate for atmospheric nutrient deposition in heathland ecosystems? Journal of Applied Ecology 43: 759-769.

NIEMEYER, T., NIEMEYER, M., MOHAMED, A, FOTTNER, S. & HÄRDTLE, W. (2005): Impact of prescribed burning on the nutrient balance of heathlands with particular reference to nitrogen and phosphorus. – Applied Vegetation Science 8: 183-192.

NIEMEYER, T., FOTTNER, S., MOHAMED, A., SIEBER, M. & HÄRDTLE, W. (2004): Einfluss kontrollierten Brennens auf die Nährstoffdynamik von Sand- und Moorheiden. – NNA-Berichte 17, 2: 65-79, Schneverdingen.

FOTTNER, S., NIEMEYER, T., SIEBER, M. & HÄRDTLE, W. (2004): Einfluss der Beweidung auf die Nährstoffdynamik von Sandheiden. – NNA-Berichte 17, 2: 80-91, Schneverdingen.

SIEBER, M., FOTTNER, S., NIEMEYER, T. & HÄRDTLE, W. (2004): Einfluss maschineller Pflegeverfahren auf die Nährstoffdynamik von Sandheiden. – NNA-Berichte 17, 2: 92-107, Schneverdingen.

FOTTNER, S., NIEMEYER, T., SIEBER, M. & HÄRDTLE, W. (2004): Zur kurzfristigen Vegetations-entwicklung auf Pflegeflächen in Sand und Moorheiden. – NNA-Berichte 17, 2: 126-136, Schneverdingen.

HÄRDTLE, W., FOTTNER, S., NIEMEYER, T., SIEBER, M. & MOHAMED, A. (2004): Nährelementaustrag aus Heideökosystemen durch verschiedene Pflegeverfahren – eine integrierende Betrachtung. – NNA-Berichte 17, 2: 123-125, Schneverdingen.

FOTTNER, S., NIEMEYER, T., SIEBER, M. & HÄRDTLE, W. (2004): Auswirkungen unterschiedlicher Pflegemaßnahmen auf die Stickstoffdynamik von Heideökosystemen in Nordwest-deutschland. – Schriftenreihe für Landschaftspflege und Naturschutz, Bonn – Bad Godesberg.

NIEMEYER, TH., FOTTNER, S., SIEBER, M., HÄRDTLE, W. (2003): Impact of different management practices on the nutrient dynamics in heathland (Lower Saxony, Germany).- In: Alfred Toepfer Akademy fo Nature Conservation (ed.): 8th European Heathland Workshop, Abstracts p. 23, Schneverdingen, Germany.

NIEMEYER, TH., SIEBER, M., WIEMERSLAGE, S. & HÄRDTLE, W. (2002): Impact of different methods of heathland management on the nutrient balance and vegetation dynamic. Ver. GfÖ 32: 129, Cottbus.

Abstract

The butterfly species Lycaena helle and Parnassius apollo show similar distribution situations. L. helle represents a boreomontaneous species, which showed its maximal distribution over Europe during the early postglacial. Because of the climatic changes during the last thousands of years, this species extinct in most of the earlier distribution area in central Europe. Today, large populations are located in Scandinavia and the high European mountains, while some relict populations still exist in Europe (e.g. Ardennes, Eifel, Hohes Venn and Westerwald). The xeromontaneous butterfly species P. apollo shows similar distribution history like L. helle. That species is present over most parts of Scandinavia and the Alps and disappeared from most historical habitats in central Europe.Some relict populations (e.g. in the Mosel valley) are recently in a stable and vitale stage, which represent mostly subspecies. Both species are selected to test phylogeographic and nature conservation genetic scenarios. Modern moleculargenetic markers enable to analyse the genetic structure over the European distribution area (molecular taxonomy, phylogeography and molecular biogeography) as well as conservation genetic aspects (habitat isolation, minimum viable population size, genetic depressions) in a smaller spacial scale. The selected molecular markers (detection of mikrosatellite-DNA and sequencing of mtDNA) enable us to analyse individuals, collected in earlier times. With the subspecies P. apollo viningensis, a genetic time series over the last decades will show us potential genetic depressions during the 70s; during this periode many populations of this species declined because of the intensive use of pesticides, which could lead to population bottlenecks. In the case of P. apollo vinningensis, morphometric analyses (fluctuating assymetry) will complete and verify our genetic data set.

Results

– Polymorphic microsatellite loci in the endangered butterfly Lycaena helle PDF (52 kB)
– The genetic status of the Violet Copper Lycaena helle – a relict of the cold past in times of global warming PDF (235 kB)
– Long-term genetic monomorphism in Parnassius apollo vinningensis PDF (44 kB)
– Biogeography meets species conservation: The genetic structure of the endangered lycaenid butterfly Lycaena helle PDF (566 kB)
– Final report PDF (14 kB)

Contact

Project coordination: Dr. Jan Christian Habel & Marc Meyer

Musée national d’histoire naturelle Luxembourg
25, rue Münster
L-2160 Luxembourg
phone: (+352) 46 22 33 405
fax: (+352) 47 51 52

Acknowledgments

Many lepidopterologists helped us to collect the species and/or showed us adequate sites (in alphabetic order): Leif Aarvik (As, Norway), Philippe Bachelard (Églisolles, France), Beyer (Bad Tölz, Germany), Ralf Bolz (Ullstadt, Germany), Jaroslaw Buszko (Torun, Poland), Klaus Cölln (Gönnersdorf, Germany), Klaus Fischer (Bayreuth, Germany), Danièle Fournier (Lyon, France), Philippe Goffart (Gembloux, Belgium), Yves Gonseth (Neuchâtel, Switzerland), Povilas Ivinskis (Vilnius, Lithuania), Maria Jerabek (Salzburg, Austria), Juha Laiho (Helsinki, Finland), Anna Lundhagen (Uppsala, Sweden), Frédéric Mora (Besançon, France), Marko Mutanen (Oulu, Finland), Andreas Nunner (Freiburg, Germany), Edward Palik (Krakow, Poland), Josef Pennerstorfer (Wien, Austria), Jean-Christophe Ragué (Gérardmer, France), Lazlo Rakosy (Cluj, Romania), Markus Röhl (Freiburg, Germany), Nils Ryrholm (Gävle, Sweden), Peter Sonderegger (Biel, Swizerland), Panu Välimäki (Oulu, Finland), Volker Wachlin (Greifswal d, Germany), Roland Weid (Munich, Germany), Elisabet Weingartner (Stockholm, Sweden).

Status of postdoc

Supervisor at university: Prof. Dr. Thorsten Aßmann, University of Lüneburg, Germany

Supervisor in Luxembourg: Marc Meyer, MNHN Luxembourg

Postdoc granted by the Luxembourg Ministry of Culture, Higher Education and Research. Duration: 2 years (01.05.2006-30.04.2008).