Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ)

The UFZ is headquartered at the Science Park in Leipzig and is also represented by branches in Halle and Magdeburg. The institute studies the complex interactions between humans and the environment in cultivated and damaged landscapes with a special focus on densely populated urban- and industrial areas, as well as natural landscapes. UFZ scientists develop concepts and processes to help secure the natural foundations of human life for future generations.


For the investigation on "Birds in Illuminated Landscapes – BILL" within "Loss of the Night", the UFZ combines population studies using individually tagged birds, while simultaneously running behavioural studies. This includes research in rural and urban areas to register duration and intensity of foraging as well as their spatial distribution in dependence of their habitat and light conditions, and also monitors physiological parameters like melatonin and body fat throughout the year.


For the "Loss of the Night"- project website of the UFZ click here

Leader of subproject at the UFZ is Dr. Reinhard Klenke