Department Systems Analysis, Integrated Assessment and Modelling

We study recent developments in insect abundance, biomass and species richness in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of Switzerland. We analyse multi-year time series on terrestrial (RBA, 2000-2007) and aquatic (BDM, 2009-2018) insect data from the last 20 years. Ultimately and if time allows, we strive to interlink these results with population trends of insectivorous bird species dependent on aquatic or terrestrial habitats. The project will (1) provide important evidence on recent developments in aquatic and terrestrial insect abundance and richness in Switzerland, (2) establish the relationship with important environmental factors, and (3) provide important evidence-based information for decision and policy makers on the urgency of conservation measures for insect communities.

Project Website at WSL

Publications:

Gebert, F., Bollmann, K., Schuwirth, N., Duelli, P., Weber, D., & Obrist, M. K. (2023): Similar temporal patterns in insect richness, abundance and biomass across major habitat types. Insect Conservation and Diversity,17(1), 139-154. https://doi.org/10.1111/icad.12700

Gebert F, Obrist MK, Siber R, Altermatt F, Bollmann K, Schuwirth N. (2022): Recent trends in stream macroinvertebrates: warm-adapted and pesticide-tolerant taxa increase in richness. Biology Letters, 18: 20210513. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2021.0513

Gebert, F., Bollmann, K., Siber, R., & Schuwirth, N. (2022): Zeitliche Trends von Makroinvertebraten. Kantonale und nationale Monitoringdaten im Vergleich. Aqua & Gas, 102(10), 76-82.  Institutional Repository