Marcus Schmitt

Dr. Marcus Schmitt is a Researcher and Lecturer in General Zoology at the University of Duisburg-Essen's Faculty of Biology. With a career spanning since 2009, his work focuses on urban zoology and small mammal ecology, particularly analyzing owl pellets for biodiversity insights. He conducts field excursions, identification exercises, and lectures on human biology.

• Studied Forestry (Dipl.-Ing., 1995) and Ecology (Dipl.-Ökol., 1999) at the University of Essen
• Doctorate in Natural Sciences (2008), specializing in Muridae family ecology

Schmitt's research combines ecological fieldwork with detailed laboratory analysis, emphasizing thermophilic spider distribution in Central Europe and urban-rural faunal dynamics. His work includes long-term monitoring of vertebrate communities in anthropogenic habitats like railway tracks and former industrial sites.

Recent publications analyze Schleiereule pellet content (2025), herpetofauna diversity in Lefkada (2024), and urban mammal distribution patterns (2023-2024). Studies span from the Šumava Mountains to the Rhine River, documenting species adaptation across fragmented landscapes.

Active in education, Schmitt leads:

• Zoological identification exercises
• Educational excursions
• Practical fieldwork training
• Human biology lectures
• Ecological research seminars

He contributes to regional biodiversity strategies and environmental assessments, particularly through the Offensive Grüne Infrastruktur 2030 project, analyzing urban habitats and green infrastructure development in the Ruhrgebiet.