Projects – Institute of Geobotany – Leibniz University Hannover

Long-term dynamics of tree mortality and plant diversity in a Pacific montane rainforest at different scales

This project evaluates the causes and effects of a landscape-level canopy tree decline on the Big Island of Hawaii, referred to as the ‘ohi‘a dieback.

Led by: Dieter Mueller-Dombois (+), Hans Juergen Boehmer

Team: James D Jacobi, Grant C Gerrish, Helene H Wagner, Vanessa Minden, Linda Mertelmeyer, Kevin W Brinck

Year: 1976

Duration: 1976-ongoing

Forest dieback on the big island of Hawaii

Long-term dynamics and connectivity of calcareous grasslands in Central Europe

Calcareous grasslands are home to the greatest diversity of plant and invertebrate species in central Europe, but these habitats are disappearing. An ecological connectivity network was established in the land district of Weissenburg-Gunzenhausen (Bavaria, Germany) in 1990 to reconnect remnant calcareous grassland patches with existing animal-grazed pastures. This project evaluates the potential for this connectivity network to support the movement of plant and invertebrate species throughout remnant calcareous grassland patches and ameliorate species loss in these communities.

Led by: Hans Juergen Boehmer, Helene H Wagner

Team: Helene H Wagner, Yessica Rico Mancebo del Castillo, Michelle F Dileo, Henry Lehnert, Bernd Raab

Year: 1989

Duration: 1989-ongoing

Structure and dynamics of a tropical oceanic island rainforest under impact of invasive alien ivory cane palm (Pinanga coronata)

Invasion by non-indigenous species—referred to as biological invasions — can fundamentally change indigenous ecosystems by outcompeting native species. Tropical oceanic islands are particularly susceptible to such invasions. This project evaluates a new invasion process by ivory cane palm (Pinanga coronata) in the rainforests and mahogany plantations of Fiji.

Led by: Hans Juergen Boehmer

Year: 2015

Duration: September 2015 - ongoing

Research Projects