معرفی
Dr. Joeri A. Zwerts is an Assistant Professor in Wildlife Ecology at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Environmental Biology group since September 2023. He serves as Coordinator of Tropical Ecology, Land Use and Nature Management and teaches courses in Conservation Science & Impact and Tropical Ecology.
His educational background includes an MSc from Wageningen University & Research (2011-2013) and a BSc from Utrecht University (2006-2010). His research focuses on managing multifunctional landscapes to balance natural resource production and nature conservation in the face of increasing global resource demands. He investigates the connections between land use, climate change, and biodiversity by quantifying the impacts of management strategies on wildlife conservation and habitat use.
Zwerts' work encompasses developing advanced biomonitoring methods (particularly sound-based techniques), evaluating conservation impact effectiveness, studying landscape connectivity, and addressing human-wildlife conflict. His research primarily focuses on mammals as indicators of environmental management effectiveness, with special attention to tropical forest ecosystems.
His publication record shows a strong focus on innovative monitoring technologies, particularly camera trapping and bioacoustics, with applications in tropical forest conservation. He has published in high-impact journals including Nature, Science, and Nature Communications, with recent work emphasizing AI-enabled monitoring systems, forest certification impacts, and tropical forest dynamics under climate change.
Dr. Zwerts has established significant field research in Central Africa, particularly in Gabon, working with forestry companies and conservation organizations. He has coordinated large-scale studies involving camera traps across multiple logging concessions in the Congo Basin.
Outside his university position, he serves as an Individual Member of the Environmental Chamber of the Forest Stewardship Council and as Technical Advisor for the Precious Forest Foundation. He also provides wildlife monitoring consultancy services through his independent enterprise.
