Ancient landscapes and spineless predators: Investigating evolutionary processes and diversification patterns in old, climatically buffered landscapes (OCBILs).

This project investigates patterns of arachnid diversification and distributions in old, climatically buffered and infertile (OCBIL) landscapes which have a stunning biodiversity despite lacking obvious barriers (i.e. geological, edaphological or geographical) that usually play a key-role in promoting diversification processes in highly biodiverse regions. The current project develops a common research agenda through joint workshops, international visits and field work activities across the southern African OCBIL landscapes.

Team: Dr. Danilo Harms, Prof. Stefan Foord (University of Venda, South Africa) and Prof. Charles Haddad (University of the Free State, South Africa)

Funding Body: German Research Council (DFG).