Gunnar Gunnarsson

Gunnar Gunnarsson is a Professor and Head of Department at the Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kristianstad University. He specializes in zooecology with a focus on wetland birds and their ecosystems. His research is conducted within a broad network involving Kristianstad University, Linnaeus University, and international collaborators from Finland and France.

• Professor of Zooecology
• Head of Department, Department of Environmental Sciences
• Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kristianstad University
• Project leader for 'Effects of large herbivorous ducks in aquatic ecosystems'

His primary research focuses on the ecological role of waterfowl, particularly geese and swans, in wetland ecosystems. Gunnarsson investigates how large herbivorous birds affect vegetation, nutrient cycling, and overall wetland health, with special attention to the dramatic population increases of species like greylag geese and whooper swans. His methodology often involves experimental approaches such as fencing vegetation to study grazing impacts. The research has implications for wetland management and conservation in the context of changing ecosystems showing increased eutrophication and brownification.

Analysis of his 121 publications reveals a strong focus on waterfowl ecology, particularly mallards, geese, and swans. His recent work emphasizes the cascading effects of large herbivores in wetland food webs, methodological challenges in ecological research, and the impacts of human activities on waterfowl populations. The research spans experimental ecology, population dynamics, and conservation management.

Gunnarsson actively supervises doctoral students, including E. Kjeller who is working on the effects of large herbivorous ducks. He has received funding from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency for his research. His work has generated significant academic interest, with multiple publications receiving attention from researchers on platforms like Mendeley.

At Kristianstad University, Gunnarsson teaches ecology and methodology courses within the Landscape Science Program. He is also active in public outreach, giving presentations on waterfowl ecology to general audiences. His upcoming activities include presentations on ecological methodology challenges scheduled for May 2025.