Co-existing

For my Master's thesis, I worked on the conservation of small mammals, specifically stoats, in Swiss agricultural landscapes. I investigated the importance of small structures, such as branch and stone piles, in enhancing the quality of the habitat for this species and others. I recently started my PhD, where I shifted my research focus to the conservation of Swiss wild bees. I will present my experience as a conservation biologist in Switzerland, with (hopefully) some interesting examples along the way.

Wolves use scent marks to define territories, signaling their presence and discouraging intruders from trespassing. This natural behavior forms the basis of biofencing, a nonlethal management strategy that uses artificial scent marks to simulate occupied territories and deter wolves from certain areas. However, the effectiveness of biofencing depends on how wolves interpret and respond to these marks. This talk explores experimental research on simulated territorial markings in captive wolves, highlighting the role of social status in olfactory communication. By improving our understanding of scent-marking behavior, we can refine biofencing strategies for wildlife conservation and human-wolf coexistence.

The world of insects and plants is made up of languages and alphabets of immense complexity. Chemical signals emitted by plants under attack inform their neighbors, allies and enemies of their distress. How can these signals be used by farmers to protect themselves from insects harmful to their crops? Our research group at UNINE is focusing on the study of these languages to reduce pesticides in the field and promote sustainable agriculture.

In our research, we often have to meet animals in their natural environment. This is “field” work. This work certainly involves traveling and observing remarkable wild species. But what's behind the scenes? Working in the rainforest, desert or savannah is a dream for many of us, but it's also a place with its own physical and mental challenges. So I'm going to try and answer the question: What does working in the field involve?