300076 PP Diversity-ecology-functional relationships among vascular plants and animals in the Mediterr. biome (2021S)

The course will demonstrate the basics of designing and conducting a biodiversity study – developing a testable hypothesis, study design, data collection, data analysis, oral and written presentation (Bachelor thesis!) of the study.
Topics will focus on issues of island biogeography, especially how size and isolation of islands affect species richness and population size.
Our regional plan was to conduct data collection / field work in the region of the Kornati Islands (Croatia). We would in this case reside on one island and collect data (via boat) at surrounding islands. We would focus on vascular plants, birds and grasshoppers in this case.
If it is not possible to go to Croatia in May the practical will be realized in the surroundings of Vienna. (either by daily excursions or via overnight stays nearer to the sampling sites, depending on the Covid-situation). The main topic will then be dry grassland patches which are habitat islands in the cultural landscape. In this case, work would focus on plants, butterflies and birds.
COSTS: If field work will be conducted in the Croatia, costs will be around 500-600 €. If we stay in the surroundings of Vienna, costs will depend on the concrete program, but most probably be lower. Ca. 25% of the costs will probably be refunded from by the University.