Tropical Silviculture and Forest Ecology

Ralph Mitlöhner

Professor

Ralph Mitlöhner studied Forestry Sciences of the Temperate Zones at the University of Goettingen. His enthusiasm developed further to the field of tropical and subtropical silviculture as a biologically fixed technology. As Professor he works and researches on complex natural forest ecosystems in South America, Africa, Asia and Oceania with the focus on tree responses to sites both in dry and moist climates. His concepts are widely applicable and improve strategies and planning tools for protected-area & buffer zone management, post-mining reclamation, and forest landscape restoration.

Key research expertise

  • Site adaptation of local tree species
  • Ecology and management of tropical dry and moist forests
  • Silvicultural techniques
  • Forest management planning
  • Forest-/ Landscape-/ Habitat restoration

    • Education

    1981 - 1987 Studies in Forestry Science of Temperate Zones at the University of Goettingen
    1988 - 1990 Doctorate in Tropical Silviculture, University of Goettingen
    1998 Habilitation in Tropical Silviculture, University of Goettingen

    Professional Career

  • 1991 - 1995: Post-Doc, Institute of Silviculture, University of Goettingen
  • 1996: Academic Officer for Life, Institute of Silviculture, State of Lower Saxony, Germany
  • 1998: “Privatdozent” (venia legendi: Tropical Silviculture)
  • 2003: Associate Professor (“apl. Prof.”), University of Goettingen
  • Since 2002: Co-Coordinator of the M.Sc. Program “Tropical and International Forestry” (TIF), University of Goettingen
  • 2002 - 2007: Selection committee of German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD, Bonn), for Forestry, Agriculture and Fisheries for South-and Southeast Asia
  • 2008 - 2013: Selection committee of DAAD, Bonn, for Forestry, Agriculture and Fisheries for East Asia, New Zealand and Australia
  • 2010 - 2017: Selection committee of DAAD, Bonn, for International Cooperation and Alumni Programs
  • Partnership coordinator of the University of Goettingen with Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia (since 2007), Vietnam National University of Forestry, Xuan Mai, Vietnam (since 2009), and University of Forestry, Yezin, Myanmar (since 2015)

    • Honor

    Commemorative Medal “For the invaluable contributions to the Cause of Agriculture and Rural Development of the S.R. of Viet Nam”