BOF Sabbatical leave 2018-2019 Prof. Erik Matthysen.

The overall aim of this sabbatical leave is to expand our research into responses of animal populations to climate change, and to explore new research avenues and collaborations. The model system is the seasonal timing (phenology) of insectivorous birds in relation to tree phenology, building on several long-term datasets that we have available. More specifically I will focus on the role of phenology at the level of individual trees, a hitherto understudied aspect of this complex system. The first specific aim is to analyse a unique and recently acquired dataset on phenology of 1600 trees in a long-term study site of bird populations. A side aim is to update my own research skills in analytical softwares. A second aim is to explore possibilities of remote sensing technique that would allow to charachterize individual tree timing at large scales, with the aim to set up novel collaborations and projects. A third specific aim is to increase the visibility of our research group in international collaborations by participating in expert workshops and joint international publications of longitudinal data. Finally I will engage in a thorough exhange of expertise concerning tree phenology and climate change with the PLECO group at University of Antwerp, an internationally leading group in this matter, with the aim to produce a perspective paper and new research proposals.

Keywords:PHENOLOGY, CLIMATE WARMING, ECOLOGY, POPULATION BIOLOGY

Disciplines:Ecology, Environmental science and management, Other environmental sciences