Smit, prof. dr. ir. Chris

Chris Smit is an associate professor of Experimental Conservation Ecology at the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen. He studied Forest and Nature Conservation at Wageningen University. Smit specializes in experimental conservation ecology, investigating interactions between species and their effects on the dynamics, biodiversity, and spatial organization of natural communities.

Smit mostly uses large-scale field studies in ecosystems where herbivores, including large herbivores, play an important role (e.g., temperate savannahs, forest meadows, semi-arid steppes, temperate lowland forests, salt marshes, wetlands). His interest lies with facilitation, i.e. positive interactions between species, and how these interactions are shaped by the interplay of different biotic and abiotic factors. Furthermore, Smit researches the ecology of fear, i.e. how large predators —and humans— influence herbivore behaviour, with possible cascading effects on the ecosystem.

Previously in the news (mainly in Dutch)

• 2.9 million for sustainable management salt marshes Wadden Sea
• How dangerous is the wolf to humans? And 6 other questions answered (in Dutch)
• Feiten en fabels over de wolf
• Het nut van Schotse hooglanders, wisenten of konikpaarden als 'natuurbeheerder': hoe het allemaal begon met onderzoek op Schiermonnikoog
• Provincies willen duidelijkheid kabinet rond stikstof, hoogleraar maant tot spoed
• Reportage: Determineren en vogelen op Schier
• Carcasses important for plants and insects in the Oostvaardersplassen

Contact and further information

prof. dr. ir. Chris Smit