Oliver Hawlitschek

Oliver Hawlitschek is a Lecturer for Biodiversity of Invertebrates at the University of Zurich's Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, Switzerland. Previously, he served as Head of the Molecular Genetic Lab at the Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (LIB) in Hamburg (2019-2023), Postdoctoral Researcher at the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology (ZSM) in Munich (2017-2019), and at the Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-UPF) in Barcelona (2015-2017).

His research spans species concepts and delimitation, herpetology, entomology, phylogenetics/phylogenomics, and conservation biology. He specializes in integrative taxonomy using molecular, morphological, and osteological data, with fieldwork focused on Western Indian Ocean islands (Comoros, Mayotte), Iran, Madagascar, and Central Europe. His work frequently addresses conservation gaps between biodiversity hotspots and protected areas.

Recent publications reveal strong trends in genomic conservation applications (e.g., reference genomes for endangered species), Orthoptera systematics (grasshoppers/crickets), and island biogeography. His team combines DNA barcoding, phylogenomics, and ecological niche modeling to study speciation, invasive species, and climate change impacts.

Hawlitschek actively contributes to conservation initiatives as a member of the IUCN SSC Snake and Lizard Specialist Group since 2011. His work includes freelance biological consultancy and conservation assessments for German environmental agencies.

He leads a research group at UZH focused on biodiversity genomics and species conservation, with historical projects including DNA Barcoding Fauna Bavarica II and the DFG-funded TaxonOMICS framework. His lab emphasizes integrative approaches to resolve taxonomic uncertainties and inform conservation prioritization.