Martin Küblbeck

In times of rapid environmental change and dwindling biodiversity, there is huge potential for conservation gain in behavioral and eco-physiological research. In my dissertation project, we aim to explain the severe and ongoing population decline of a farmland bird, the whinchat (Saxicola rubetra). Formerly common and widespread, whinchats are becoming rare even within protected areas, such as our study area Murnauer Moos. At the same time, and despite a similar ecology, the closely related stonechats (Saxicola rubicola) increased in the area. But which intrinsic and extrinsic factors are causing these contrasting population trends? In a comparative study, we examine how life-histories, physiology, and behavior of whinchats and stonechats affect demography and population growth. We collaborate with conservation practitioners and local farmers to evaluate the effects of applied conservation measures, and to develop new ones.