Gunnar Austrheim

About Gunnar Austrheim

Gunnar Austrheim is a Professor in the Department of Natural History at NTNU University Museum. His research focuses on conservation biology and ecology, particularly the impacts of anthropogenic processes on biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and services across alpine, boreal, and urban ecosystems. He leads interdisciplinary projects like MANECO and DYLAN, exploring sustainable livestock grazing and cultural landscape management. His work bridges science and policy, addressing land-use changes, herbivore management, and climate interactions.

Education & Teaching

Teaches courses at bachelor, master, and PhD levels, including Sustainable Management of Ecosystem Services. Active in curriculum development for natural resource management programs.

Research Interests

Key areas include:

• Alpine and boreal plant communities
• Herbivore (sheep, cervids) grazing impacts
• Urban ecosystem dynamics
• Science-policy interfaces
• Long-term land-use transitions

Recent Projects

Leading or co-leading projects such as:

• MANECO: Managing ecosystem services in alpine landscapes via grazing
• DYLAN: Cultural/natural heritage management in upland areas

Grants & Funding

Recipient of grants from the Norwegian Research Council’s Environment2015 program and others, focusing on sustainable herbivore management and ecosystem resilience.

Labs & Teams

Associated with NTNU’s University Museum research groups, collaborating on projects involving vegetation dynamics, herbivore ecology, and landscape history.