2 new topic proposals for Bachelor's/Master's theses

The LabForest research project aims to investigate the influence of various management measures on biodiversity following disturbance and the effects of browsing on woody regeneration [1]. An important basis for this is the recording of the ground vegetation as a whole and the regeneration of woody plants. As part of the final work, (A) the ground vegetation (shrub, herb and moss layer) of selected forest stands will be recorded in several marked sample areas (4 m² each) within a grid. Here, the cover of the occurring species is recorded quantitatively (simplified percentage estimate). In a further final study (B), the regeneration of woody plants in the same areas is recorded, differentiated according to size classes, and browsing damage is also recorded. If necessary, the browsing data can be combined with photo trap images from the project.
The field work in the university forest of the LMU Munich near Landshut [2] is to be carried out in the period June 23 - 27, 2025 - then a local accommodation will also be available. The areas are to be walked together by both candidates.

Requirements: Enjoy independent field work. Good knowledge of vascular plants including woody plants. Mobility is important (e.g. own car). Questions and scope of the analyses depend on the planned degree.

Contacts:
Dr. Sebastian Dittrich (Biodiversity & Nature Conservation) -
Dr. Katharina Tiebel (Silviculture / Forest Zoology) -

Sources: [1] https://labforest.de/projekt/ [2] Mosandl, R. & Höllerl, S. 2013. The university forest of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München - AFZ-DerWald 9 /2013: 22-24.

Information for download:
Small-scale plant diversity and woody regeneration in disturbed forest stands