Andrin Dürst

PHD student

Phone
031 684 31 73
E-Mail
andrin.duerst@unibe.ch
Office
022
Postal Address
Office Address:
Muesmattstrasse 27
CH-3012 Bern

Postal Address:
Baltzerstrasse 6
CH-3012 Bern

Research

My main research interests are biodiversity conservation, population biology and landscape ecology, in particular the interface between research and practice. In my PhD, I am investigating the influence of small structures (such as piles of branches or stones) on biodiversity in agriculture (see research project “Small structures”). Using different and sometimes new methods, we are surveying multiple taxonomic groups such as small mammals (especially stoats and weasels), reptiles, spiders and ground beetles.

The results of our applied research project should provide information on the effect of small structures for science, practice and policy.

I completed my MSc at the University of Zurich, during which I worked on species interactions (tortoises and plants) and rewilding. After my graduation I gained several years of practical experience in applied conservation as a project manager in a regional nature park of national importance. This background as well as my experience reflects in my interests and current work.

 Year Description
Since 2022 PhD student at the University of Bern, Division of Conservation Biology
2018 - 2022 Division manager and project manager nature and landscape at the Naturpark Thal
2018 - 2019 Internship at Pro Natura Graubünden
2018 Internship at the Nature, Hunting and Fisheries Department of canton Lucerne (Dienststelle Landwirtschaft und Wald Kanton Luzern, lawa)
2016 - 2018 Master of Science in Biology (Ecology) at the University of Zurich
2013 - 2016 Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Zurich (Major: Biology, Minor: Environmental Science)

Publication list

Peer-reviewed articles

Egloff, G.B., L. Schenker, S. Riverendo, A.C. Dürst, G. Heckel, D. Karp & J.Y. Humbert. 2025. The role of small structures for stoats in agricultural landscapes. Journal for Nature Conservation 85: Article Number 126865. PDF

Jachowski, D.S., S.M. Bergeson, S.R. Cotey, E. Croose, T.R. Hofmeester, J. MacPherson, P. Wright, C.A. Calderón-Acevedo, S.P. Carter, A.C. Dürst, G.B. Egloff, M.K. Hamed, P. Hapeman, S.N. Harris, K. Hassler, J.Y. Humbert, D. Karp, R. Kays, J. Mausbach, D.J. Morin, J. Mos, S.S. Allué, L. Smith, J.P. Twining, C.R. Williamson & K. Zub. 2024. Non-invasive methods for monitoring weasels: emerging technologies and priorities for future research. Mammal Review 54: 243-260. PDF

Other pertinent publications

Dürst & Vogler 2020. Methodenvergleich und Zustandsaufnahme der Kleinmustelidenfauna im Gebiet Wauwilermoos LU. PDF

Dürst & Vogler 2019. Zustandsaufnahme der Kleinmustelidenfauna im Gebiet Wauwilermoos: Erhebung 2018 und Methodenvergleich. PDF