Thomas Osinga

Thomas Osinga MSc is a Researcher and Teacher in the Wildlife Ecology group within the Department of Biology at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science. As a PhD candidate in the Wildlife Ecology and Nature Restoration Group, he combines research and educational responsibilities.

His research focuses on ecological modeling and data analysis, particularly examining mammal distributions and the effects of habitat and climate on wildlife populations. Specializing in movement ecology, he develops statistical frameworks that integrate GPS-based tracking data with stationary camera trap observations to improve estimates of habitat use, activity patterns, and population dynamics.

His publication record shows a concentrated research trajectory in wildlife ecology, with his 2023 article in Wildlife Biology examining how snow conditions limit polecat distribution in Sweden. This work demonstrates his methodological approach of combining field data with statistical modeling to address conservation challenges.

As an educator and researcher, Osinga contributes practical tools for wildlife management while addressing limitations in current monitoring methods. His work bridges theoretical ecological modeling with real-world conservation applications, particularly focused on mammal-human interactions including crop damage, traffic accidents, and disease transmission.

Outside his academic pursuits, Osinga maintains an active outdoor lifestyle with through-hiking, distance running, and early morning wildlife observation.