Dr. Didem Ambarli

Curriculum vitae

Research interest

I have been working on ecology and conservation science on a wide range of levels and scales. My current focus is on the drivers of presence and abundance of multiple taxonomic groups at site level as well as absence i.e. dark diversity. I also work on the drivers of rates of ecosystem processes in forests and grasslands. Those drivers I generally work with are abiotic, land-use and landscape parameters. In addition, I am interested in old filed dynamics, vegetation ecology and mapping, conservation prioritization and population dynamics of endangered species. I contribute to studies targeting synthesis of information on grassland-related subjects to aid filling gaps in readily-available information, conservation management and decision making as well as to inspire new studies.

Arthropod core project of Biodiversity Exploratories (current project):

Supported by the German Science Foundation, the Biodiversity Exploratories Project aims to understand the interactions among biodiversity, ecosystem processes and land use. Currently I am working on arthropod-related ecosystem processes to find out which factors affect the rates of herbivory, dung removal, seed removal and predation.

Butterfly Valley Project (2013-2014):

This study aimed to guide landscape architecture around the butterfly park in Konya Province (Turkey), the largest in Europe. The park is an attraction point for thousands of visitors coming to see mainly tropical butterflies presented in the glass house. We identified local butterfly fauna and interacting plant species to be able to attract and support native butterflies with butterfly-friendly design in the park garden and to get attention on local butterfly wealth of the area. 

Biodiversity Oriented Forestry in Gümüshane Forests (2011-2012):

The project aimed to prepare biodiversity-friendly forestry management plan of Gümü?hane unit which has high conservation priority at the European scale. I worked as a butterfly expert in the project. (conducted by Nature Conservation Centre)

Facilitating Effective Legal Protection of Turkey's Rich Butterfly Fauna (2010-2011):

The project aimed to identify gaps and tools to prevent butterfly smuggling taking place in prime butterfly areas of Turkey. It also involves awareness raising activities targeting residents, officers of National Parks, Jandarma and Customs Department in the northeastern part of Turkey. I managed the project. (conducted by Nature Conservation Centre)

Developing a Basis for the Active Conservation of Turkey’s Butterflies (2009-2011)

Turkey is the most butterfly-rich country of Europe with more than 380 species. Supported by BBI-Matra, the project started with taxonomic literature and occurrence data and resulted in an updated butterfly database of Turkey, red book and a national conservation strategy. I provided technical expertise and support implementation. (conducted by Nature Conservation Centre)

Systematic Conservation Planning of Black Sea Region of Turkey (2009-2011):

The project aimed to support long-term viability of biodiversity of a 9 million ha region. Data on biodiversity and socio-economy were compiled and analyzed with gap analysis and complementarity approaches to identify priority sites for conservation and to develop conservation and management guidelines. I managed the project for the period of 2009-2011. I was also heavily involved in conducting threat analysis workshop and vegetation mapping by the use of forestry and CORINE maps. (conducted by Nature Conservation Centre)

Biodiversity of the Anatolian Diagonal (2007-2009):

With a 1,000,000$-budget, the objective of the project is to identify conservation-priority sites of a biodiversity hotspot based on spatial patterns of biodiversity, socio-economy, threats and conservation opportunities. I managed the project and provided technical expertise at various steps. (conducted by Nature Conservation Centre)

Conservation biology of a rare endemic Centaurea tchihatcheffii Fisch. & Mey. (Compositae) (2004-2008):

The project aimed to identify abiotic, biotic and anthropogenic reasons behind endangerment of a critically-endangered plant species. My main responsibilities were developing the research proposal, conducting field studies to estimate demographic parameters, defining major biotic interactions and natural threats, writing conservation guidelines, contributing management and reporting. (conducted by Gazi University)

Lesser Caucasus Gap Analysis (2004-2006):

The project implemented systematic conservation planning in the Lesser Caucasus region. I joined to botany surveys, did data entry and contributed in presentation of the findings. (conducted by the Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion, for Restoration and Protection of Natural Habitats

Revision of the Genus Acantholimon (PLUMBAGINACEAE) in Turkey (2003-2004):

The project aimed the taxonomic revision of Acantholimon genus with more than 60 plant species native to Turkey. I compiled, entered and processed morphological data from specimens and did numeric taxonomy analyses. (conducted by the Middle East Technical University)