2015
Award Winner: Jan Engler

Mr. Jan Engler was
awarded the 2015 Hans Löhrl Prize for his research on the population dynamics of two species of warblers (the Orphean Warbler and the Yellow Warbler) as well as the Citril Finch (Engler et al. 2013, J. Evol. Biol. 26: 2487–2496 and 2014 J. Ornithol. 155: 657–669).

In these studies, he combines modern methods of range modeling with expert knowledge about the species in question. Using this combination of methods, he is able to identify and correct distortions in the data set.

Previously developed climate-based distribution models for the two mockingbird species suffered from a considerable discrepancy between potential and actual distribution. Jan Engler was able to demonstrate that it is the interactions between the two sister species that limit their expansion. This raises further interesting implications for the dynamics of hybrid zones in the context of climate change.

Mr. Engler, however, explains the absence of the lemon-breasted bunting in potentially suitable areas along the northern and eastern edges of its range as resulting from a combination of a lack of resources and a shortage of wintering grounds that are accessible to the species. He demonstrates, for example, that models of potential ranges must take into account, on the one hand, the total annual habitat (i.e., the breeding range and the winter range) and, on the other hand, species-specific limitations such as the ability to fly long distances.

In addition, Mr. Engler has published further groundbreaking work in the field of species distribution models and habitat modeling. Particularly commendable is his commitment to the journal “Vogelwarte,” in which he established the “Research Reports” section together with two colleagues and continues to contribute engaging articles to it.

Dr. Karl Schulze-Hagen
Dr. Bernd Leisler
Prof. Dr. Hans Winkler

Presented at the 148th Annual Meeting of the DO-G in Konstanz on October 1, 2015