Jaap van Schaik

Dr. Jaap van Schaik is a researcher in the Department of Applied Zoology and Nature Conservation at the Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Germany. He conducts interdisciplinary research on European bat species, integrating ecology, behavior, and conservation science. His work is centered on understanding population dynamics, social systems, and host-parasite interactions in bats, with a strong emphasis on developing and applying innovative monitoring technologies.

His research interests include bat ecology, movement ecology, population genetics, and host-parasite evolutionary dynamics. He employs cutting-edge methods such as infrared light barriers and camera traps to monitor bat populations non-invasively. Notably, he co-developed BatNet, a deep-learning tool for automated bat species identification from camera trap images, advancing the scalability and accuracy of long-term ecological monitoring. His work addresses critical conservation challenges posed by habitat fragmentation, climate change, and wind energy expansion.

His recent publications highlight a strong trend in developing and validating technological solutions for wildlife monitoring, particularly focused on hibernacula. These studies emphasize non-invasive, high-resolution methods to estimate population trends, assess hibernation phenology, and identify species automatically, contributing significantly to conservation-oriented ecological research.

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Dr. van Schaik is actively involved in academic mentoring, supervising PhD students as a co-principal investigator, as well as Master’s and bachelor’s projects. He also contributes to teaching within his department. There is no mention of external grants in the text, but his collaborative publications suggest active research funding and project leadership. He works closely with colleagues such as Dr. Gabriella Krivek and Prof. Dr. Gerald Kerth.

His research is conducted within the team structure of the Applied Zoology and Nature Conservation group at the University of Greifswald, which focuses on empirical and theoretical approaches to biodiversity conservation. The team utilizes field-based methodologies and technological innovations to study animal behavior and population dynamics, particularly in bats.