This research line focuses on processes, patterns and consequences of dispersal in natural populations. We study behavioural aspects of movement (home-range behaviour, responses to landscape structure), sources of individual variation (condition, heritability and personality), dispersal rates (capture-recapture data) and how these are reflected in gene flow, genetic popultion structure and inbreeding rates.
An important line of research is the use of GIS modelling as a tool for quantifying functional landscape connectivity. This work is closely linked with studies on conservation biology, wildlife management and ecology of infections.
There is also a clear link with the studies of invasive species and transmission of parasites and diseases.
Main investigators: Erik Matthysen, Herwig Leirs
Current postdocs: Luci Kirkpatrick, Job Aben
Current PhD students: Bram Vanden Broecke