Litter removal through fire - A key process for wetland vegetation and ecosystem dynamics.

Fire is a major driver of global vegetation patterns. It strongly reduces litter and thus alters physical and chemical properties of the environment. Studies investigating the interplay of fire and litter are scarce, and wetland ecosystems are strongly under-represented in research focusing on litter dynamics.

Breeding habitat and nest-site selection by an obligatory "nest-cleptoparasite", the Amur Falcon .

The selection of a nest site is crucial for successful reproduction of birds. Animals which re-use or occupy nest sites constructed by other species often have limited choice. Little is known about the criteria of nest-stealing species to choose suitable nesting sites and habitats.