Brian Klingbeil

Doctoral Student

Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering

 

Research Interests

My interests as an ecologist are motivated by questions that arise when examining how spatial patterns and anthropogenic processes affect biodiversity.  Currently my research examines the response of Neotropical bat species and assemblages to different proportions and configurations of fragmented tropical forest.  Data on bats species presence and abundance were collected from multiple sites along a highway being constructed (representing a gradient of environmental deterioration), in the Amazon basin of northeastern Peru, southwest of the city of Iquitos (see image of study area to the right).  Measurements of landscape structure were quantified at multiple circular focal scales using satellite imagery, and spatial analysis software.  Measurement of landscape characteristics and responses of particular bats and assemblages to landscape structure were scale-dependent.

In addition to my interests in bats (i.e., their use as model taxa for studies of biodiversity or ecosystem health), using multi-scale analyses to determine mammalian community responses to habitat fragmentation, and patterns of anthropogenic disturbance, I also have an interest in community run conservation programs and the rehabilitation and re-introduction of animals taken from the wild (see http://www.santamartharescue.org for an example).

 

 

 

 

Education

Bachelor of Science. 2001. University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Biology, Philosophy major.

Master of Science. 2007. Texas Tech University. Biological Sciences. Michael R. Willig, Advisor. Thesis title: Response of Bats to Landscape Structure in Amazonian Forest: An Analysis at Multiple Scales. PDF

Doctor of Philosophy. In Progress. University of Connecticut. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Dr. Michael R. Willig, Advisor.

 

Research Grants

2006. The Graduate School, Texas Tech University, Summer Research Award $2,300.00.

Professional Organizations

Ecological Society of America
Society for Conservation Biology
American Society of Mammalogists