REASSEMBLY

Reassembly of species interaction networks

Resistance, resilience and functional recovery of a rainforest ecosystem

​DFG-funded Research Unit REASSEMBLY (FOR 5207) Posts @bsky @instagram
1st funding phase 2021-2025, 2nd phase 2026-2029

REASSEMBLY aims at understanding network dynamics to uncover rules of network dis- and reassembly in a highly diverse tropical lowland rainforest ecosystem. We study the dynamics of natural forest recovery from agriculture along a chronosequence and the contribution of re-assembled networks to the resilience of ecosystem processes against perturbation. We compare the trajectories of predator–prey, plant–pollinator, and plant–seed disperser networks, as well as decomposition networks between mammals, dung beetles and seeds, and between dead wood, ants, termites, and beetles. Subprojects thus examine networks of all major ecosystem processes mediated by interspecific interactions: predation, pollination, primary and secondary seed dispersal, herbivory, decomposition, and tree seedling recruitment. Networks and ecosystem processes are studied along a large-scale chronosequence of forest recovery (62 plots representing different stages of succession) and in a small-scale perturbation–recruitment experiment. Our Research Unit is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG).

Our MISSION: Although REASSEMBLY is a basic scientific research unit, our aim is to ensure that the knowledge gained can be applied and contribute to optimizing the restoration of tropical forests. This research project, funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), will not only be conducted within a forest in Ecuador, but on an equal footing with the Ecuadorian scientific community in different institutions and with an Ecuadorian conservation organization (Fundación Jocotoco). Our goal is to strengthen ecological science and the next generation of scientists in both countries, as well as nature conservation efforts that meet the interests of local communities. To achieve these goals, transparent and accessible data and results are essential.

Latest Posts:

  • The Tree Recovery Experiment (T-REX) is taking its final shape
    by Edith Villa-Galaviz
    We had a P-REX in our first phase, and now we have the T-REX! For this new experiment, we have planted around 5,000 seedlings, all grown from seeds collected from trees around the area. They are arranged in 4–5 subblocks, each containing 3 seedlings of 16 tree species that grow at different stages of the …
  • Riparian vegetation supports high amphibian and reptile diversity
    by admin
    Written by Mark-Oliver Rödel While the Reassembly projects mainly focuses on terrestrial plots from pasture to old growth forests, there is also other important habitats in the areas: streams and the riparian vegetation associated with them. The higher humidity along streams and riparian vegetation may allow forest dependent species to disperse through parts of the …
  • Opossum caught feeding on a rare galliwasp in Canandé
    by admin
    Fuchs and Rödel report a probable predation event on the Rainbow Galliwasp (Diploglossus monotropis), a rarely seen lizard that lives in leaf litter and under logs. They documented it during fieldwork on frog communities in the Canandé Reserve. On a rainy evening in April 2024, they found a Common Opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) eating a freshly …
  • Tiger moth traits recover quickly, but old-growth forests remain unique
    by admin
    Püls et al. studied tiger moth communities (Arctiinae) along the forest recovery gradient, from active pastures and cacao plantations through regenerating forests to old-growth forest, and recorded 3,612 individuals of 210 species using light traps. They found that differences among communities in species composition and functional traits peaked in recovering forests, while old-growth forests hosted …
  • Free & basic science funding at risk?
    by Nico
    In Germany we are in a privileged situation regarding research funding – but is this strengh at risk once right-winged nationalist parties gain power? Can goverments change the reasearch agenda funded? Another country – often seen as our role model – currently shows a worrying scenario. Fundamental changes are currently in place for the National …