Stefan W. Ferger

Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre

Stefan W. Ferger's research has significantly advanced our understanding of biodiversity patterns in tropical mountain ecosystems. Studies focusing on Mount Kilimanjaro have elucidated the relationships between airborne lidar-derived vegetation structure, animal species richness, and abiotic drivers such as temperature. Research has also highlighted the importance of functional diversity and composition among bird and bat assemblages along elevation gradients. Furthermore, Ferger's work has exposed synergistic effects of climate and land use on avian beta-diversity, demonstrating distinct responses between forest understorey birds and mountain bird communities. Their findings have substantial implications for conservation efforts and our understanding of species interactions in complex ecosystems.