Welcome to the lab of Dr. Matthias Leu, faculty in the Biology Department at William & Mary. In the ACER lab, we research solutions that reduce the effects of human actions on species endangerment across three spatial scale. At the global scale, we identify key human threats and evaluate how threat intensity changes through time.   At the regional scale, we evaluate how human-induced habitat fragmentation affects the distribution of vertebrates and insects. We use long-term data to relate changes in site occupancy to human induced changes in the landscape or seascape and to variability in the environment. At the local scale, we investigate movement ecology of frogs and birds. The movement ecology of most vertebrates is poorly understood yet hugely important in the development of sound conservation strategies.  Overall, our goal is to continue providing key information to “keep common species common” by providing research findings that will strengthen local and national conservation efforts. Undergraduate and M.S. graduate students interested in our research should contact Matthias directly to find out about research opportunities.

Official blog of Methods in Ecology and Evolution