Research

Research at the Department is focused on population and community ecology of water and soil invertebrates, flying insects and vertebrates. We are also conducting research in taxonomy and systematics of invertebrates. Main study topics are following: taxonomy and ecology of family Moinidae (Cladocera) and genus Niphargus (Amphipoda), diversity and ecology of soil and cave Arthropoda of karst areas of the Western Carpathians with special reference to Acari (Oribatida), terrestrial Isopoda (Oniscidea), Myriapoda (especially Chilopoda and Diplopoda) and Collembola (Hexapoda). Recently intensive studies of soil fauna succession are carried out in spruce forest stands of the High Tatra Mts. heavily harmed by windfall in 2004. The research is further focused on ecology, taxonomy and molecular genetics of butterfly populations of genus Erebia (Lepidoptera) dwelling mountain habitats of Slovakia and population ecology and molecular genetics of selected species of amphibians, birds of prey, small mammals and bats using telemetry, bat detectors and other techniques.