prof.dr.ir. F (Frank) van Langevelde
Professor/Chairholder Wildlife Ecology and ConservationMy PhD research was about the modelling and testing the effects of landscape fragmentation on habitat selection by a songbird, the European nuthatch. After my PhD research, my research focuses broadly on ecological and evolutionary adaptations of animals to stress (e.g. pathogens, poor food quality, predators, high temperatures, humans). Environmental stresses can constrain movement and searching for habitat and food, such as the presence of predators and exposure to extreme ambient temperatures or periods of drought. As a consequence, constrained movement can result in suboptimal choices in foraging and habitat selection. This is studied in a variety of systems, varying from mammalian herbivores to insects.
At the moment I participate in several large projects, such as:
Sprint The project aims to develop a Global Health Risk Assessment Toolbox to assess impacts of Plant Protection Products (PPPs) on environment and human health and to propose several transition pathways
Save the tiger! Save the Grasslands! Save the Water! The project studies the historical grassland dynamics in floodplain of the Terai Arc Landscape and the Duars (at the foot of the Nepalese, Indian and Bhutanese Himalayas) over centuries and quantifies the influence of climate change and contemporary anthropogenic interventions in the water system. The project also assesses the interrelationships between river dynamics, groundwater, landcover and land-use, and grazing ungulates.
Climos The project aims to assist mitigation of climate – and climate change-induced emergence, transmission and spread of vector-borne and zoonotic pathogens based on Eco-health and One Health approaches.
WildDrone The project aims to revolutionize wildlife conservation practices by using autonomous drone technology as a unifying platform to monitor wildlife populations, track their movements, and manage human-wildlife conflicts.
EcoCertified Solar Parks The project aims to get a better understanding of the basic requirements for nature inclusive solar parks, and how those values can be realised in existing solar parks.
See also my Personal Website