Christina C. BELLE

I am an animal ecologist particularly interested in macro-ecology, ecological functioning, and the ecology of aquatic non-indigenous species. Although my Master’s studies at Philipps University Marburg (Germany) focussed on elucidating the ecology of the Serotine Bat (Chiroptera), I always had and still have a strong interest to dive into the aquatic side of research life.

After moving to Singapore the first time in 2007, I contributed to develop a pilot biotic index of Singapore’s freshwater reservoirs, and to elucidate the distribution of an invasive crayfish species throughout the island. Back in Germany, I spent the subsequent years assessing the ecological consequences of hydropower plants on the freshwater ecosystems in Bavaria, as well as illuminating the taxonomy and invasion ecology of exotic naturalized Weatherfish species of the genus Misgurnus in Southern Germany. Other projects I was involved included assessing the fundamental ecological processes that shape exotic insect species distribution and species richness on native and introduced trees and shrubs in Germany and developing and testing molecular markers that are used to trace forest reproductive material, finally leading to guidelines that aid the growth of climate-change resilient forests in Central Europe.

My current work at EMEL in the MaxBETH-project focuses on the environmental impact and ecosystem functioning of hybrid shoreline solutions in Singapore by conducting ecological surveys using a variety of methods, from classic biodiversity surveys to DNA based analyses. 

Research interests

Macro-Ecology / Aquatic Ecology / Marine Biology / Introduced species / Macro-invertebrates / Taxonomy / Population genetics / DNA barcoding