Reinhard Lentner Dr. Mag

 

University of Innsbruck
Department of Zoology

Research Group: Applied Animal Ecology

Phone:  +436763895899
E-Mail: Reinhard.Lentner@uibk.ac.at

Lechforschung E-Mail: r.lentner@lechforschung.org

Universität Wien: lentnerr57@univie.ac.at

for the complete publication list click here

I am an ornithologist specialising in alpine bird ecology, with a focus on bird-monitoring and applied conservation especially the implementation of European biodiversity strategies. My research examines the influence of land use, habitat changes and climate dynamics on bird distribution, population trends and community composition. My work involves a variety of methods, including long-term field monitoring, passive bioacoustics surveys, genetic analyses, and habitat mapping. By integrating these methods, I aim to provide robust, data-driven insights to inform conservation strategies, biodiversity action plans and the sustainable management of alpine, cultural and tropical ecosystems.

 

My background

Mag. Dr. Reinhard Lentner (born 23 July 1957 in Schwaz, Tyrol) studied biology and zoology at the University of Innsbruck after completing a master craftsman qualification in radio and television engineering. From 1990 to 2021, he worked as a natural history expert in the Department of Environmental Protection at the Office of the Tyrolean Provincial Government, heading the Natural History Unit (Naturkundereferat, Sachverständigendienst) from 1993 onwards.

He focused professionally on bird conservation in Tyrol and the preservation of valuable landscapes such as the Tyrolean Lech. As co-editor of the Annotated Red List of Breeding Birds of Tyrol (2001), he provided a valuable resource for regional nature conservation.

Since 1993, he has lectured at the Departments of Zoology and Ecology at the University of Innsbruck, teaching courses including Alpine Ornithology, Selected Topics in Zoology, Terrestrial Animal Ecology, Nature and Water Conservation in Practice, Conservation Theory and Practice, the EU Birds Directive and Vertebrates of Cultural Landscapes. He has supervised numerous diploma and master's theses, particularly in alpine ornithology and conservation. From 2013 to 2015, he also lectured at the Department of Landscape Management at the Erfurt University of Applied Sciences (Germany), conducting lectures, seminars, workshops and field excursions.

He served as a national expert at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Environment from 2001 to 2002 and again from 2006 to 2007. His work focused on Natura 2000 sites under the EU Birds Directive, bird protection and hunting, and the ornithological aspects of avian influenza. He gained international experience through projects related to the implementation of bird protection areas according to EU standards in Malta, Hungary, Serbia and Kosovo.

Alpine ornithological field research has been one of his main interests throughout his career. He has conducted studies on grouse species as part of the Tyrolean Grouse Monitoring Programme, as well as on various bird species in mountain and cultural landscapes.

He is a founding member of Lechforschung 2050+, the Society for Nature Conservation, River and Mountain Ecosystem Research, which was established in 2022. He has served as its president since 2023. Since 2024, he has led the Passive Bioacoustic Monitoring Project PamLaGam 2025+ at the Tropical Field Station La Gamba (University of Vienna), focusing on bird species in reforested areas within the La Gamba Biological Corridor (COBIGA) in Costa Rica.

His research expeditions to various regions of Europe, Africa, and North-, South- and Central America, as well as his participation in numerous international conferences, have given him a comprehensive understanding of avian diversity and conservation.

 

Current research projects

PamLaGam2025+ - Bioacoustics monitoring, La Gamba, Costa Rica

The PamLaGam 2025+ project employs year-round passive acoustic monitoring to study forest bird communities within the COBIGA and AMISTOSA biological corridors near La Gamba in Costa Rica. Twenty-six automated recorders positioned across thirteen sites capture bird vocalisations, which are analysed using an AI-assisted BirdNET species identification software. This allows us to assess the presence of species, the composition of communities, and the development of reforested areas towards primary forest. The initial 2025 results revealed 157 species and suggest that younger secondary forests have greater species richness, whereas primary forests have more uniform communities. The project aims to establish a standardised, resource-efficient method of continuous bird monitoring based on an expanding inventory of vocalisations, supported by artificial intelligence, computing power and technical expertise.

Find out more: https://www.lagamba.at/forschung/projekte/

 

Red list of breeding birds in Tyrol

This project involves carrying out a comprehensive evaluation of all the species of breeding birds in Tyrol, examining their distribution, population trends and conservation status. It also involves creating a regional Red List, which categorises species according to their risk of extinction. The greatest challenge lies in determining changes in population numbers, as systematically collected data from the past in Tyrol is rare. Using statistical models, an attempt is made to compare the recently collected data from the Tyrolean Breeding Bird Atlas 2022 with the patchy knowledge of distribution and population from the 1990s in order to identify trends. This new Red List will provide essential data for ornithological research, biodiversity monitoring, and regional conservation planning.

 

Lechforschung2050+

Founded in 2022, Lechforschung2050+ is a non-profit research initiative that aims to study the Tiroler Lech, the last major intact wild river in the Northern Alps. This river is home to all the characteristic species and ecosystems of an Alpine River. The organisation promotes long-term field research, conservation-oriented teaching and interdisciplinary collaboration in river and mountain ecosystem science. Our activities include establishing a research station, supporting Master's and PhD projects, organising field trips and workshops, and creating a comprehensive knowledge base for preserving and sustainably managing the Lech and other Alpine rivers. Lechforschung2050+ is currently running research projects on the reintroduction of the German tamarisk (Myricaria germanica) and the scientific study and reintroduction of endangered species, such as the natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) and the stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium). The initiative is also conducting ongoing monitoring of grouse populations.

Find out more: https://lechforschung.org/

 

Grouse monitoring Tyrol

The grouse monitoring in Tyrol involves systematically evaluating native species such as the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix), hazel grouse (Bonasa bonasia), rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) and rock partridge (Alectoris graeca). Although these species are well adapted to harsh mountain environments, they are vulnerable to changes in their habitats, alterations in land use and the impact of climate change. Since 2011, monitoring has been conducted across several reference areas, combining spring lek counts, systematic mapping, and genetic analyses of feathers, droppings, and tissue to estimate population size, structure, and trends. Building on this, Lechforschung2050+ led a monitoring cycle in East Tyrol in 2024, integrating field surveys, genetic analyses and habitat assessments. This contributes to the long-term evaluation of population dynamics, conservation measures and methodological validation, in cooperation with the Tiroler Jägerverband.

Find out more: https://lechforschung.org/raufusshuehner-monitoring/

Recently finished projects

Mountain birds in transition? - Case studies on changes in the diversity and density of breeding birds in selected cultivated landscapes in Tyrol

This project investigated long-term changes in the diversity and density of breeding birds in Tyrolean cultural landscapes, such as alpine pastures and meadows. Using birds as bioindicators, the study compared historical data from the 1980s-1990s with recent surveys conducted in 2023-2024. This allowed us to track shifts in species composition, breeding pairs, and spatial distribution. The results showed a decrease in populations of certain mountain species, including the alpine accentor (Prunella collaris) and the citrine finch (Carduelis citrinella), and an increase in populations of more widespread species, such as the goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) and the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). These results provide valuable insights for conservation and biodiversity action plans, as well as informing future monitoring.

Books, film contributions & newspaper articles

Books & book contributions:

  • Atlas der Brutvögel Tirols: Lentner, R., Lehne, F., Danzl, A., & Eberhard, B. (2022). Atlas der Brutvögel Tirols: Verbreitung, Häufigkeit, Lebensräume. Berenkamp

 

  • Die Isel - Gletscherfluss in der Kulturlandschaft: Muhar, S., Muhar, A., Michor, K., Stöhr, O., & Unterlercher, M. (2024). Die Isel: Gletscherfluss in der Kulturlandschaft. Michael Wagner Verlag

 

  • Rote Liste: Landmann, A. & R. Lentner (2001): Die Brutvögel Tirols, Bestand, Verbreitung, Schutz und Rote Liste. Ber. nat.-med. Verein Innsbruck, Supplement 14

 

Newspaper articles:

 

 

 

  • Höfler, K. (2025, 13.09.2025). Lauschangriff auf die Vögel im Regenwald Costa Ricas. Die Presse.

 

 

Film contributions:

  • Albrecht, A. (Director), & Pircher-Deutschmann, L. (Screenwriter). (2024). Hermann Maier - Hermann Maier - Meine Heimat: Die Zillertaler Alpen [Documentary film]. Interspot Film & ORF. First broadcast October 22, 2024, on ORF 2

 

  • Albrecht, A. (Director), & Deutschmann, L. (Screenwriter). (2025). Universum: Mythos Grossglockner - Im Wandel der Zeit [Documentary film]. Interspot Film & ORF, in cooperation with ZDF/ARTE and ORF Enterprise. First broadcast October 2025

Selected publications

  • Lentner, R. und A. Landmann (1994): Vogelwelt und Struktur der Kulturlandschaft: Räumliche und saisonale Muster. - Ber. Nat. med. Ver. Innsbruck, Suppl. 12, 130 pp

 

  • Lentner, R. (1997): Die Vogelwelt der Kulturlandschaft des Krappfeldes in Kärnten: Brutzeitliche Habitatpräferenzen, Strukturbeziehungen und Managementvorschläge. Egretta 40 (2): 85-128

 

  • Lentner, R. (1997): Die aktuelle Verbreitung des Ortolans in Österreich. - Ergebnisse II. Ortolan Symposium Westfalen 1996, Th.Mann, Haltern: 57-60

 

  • Pollheimer, M., R. Lentner, I. Schmitzberger, D. Moser & M. Dvorak (2002): Vögel als Indikatoren nachhaltiger Almbewirtschaftung in Österreich. J. Ornithol. 143: 243

 

  • Lentner, R. (2003): Nationalparkkonzept Tiroler Lechauen. Tagungsband zum Fachsymposium „Verträgt Österreich noch weitere Nationalparks? Das Beispiel Tiroler Lechauen Nationalpark. In Natur in Tirol Bd. 11, Hrsg: Amt der Tiroler Landesreg. Innsbruck: 141-157

 

  • Lentner, R. (2003): Endgutachten für die geplante Veränderung der Vogelschutzgebiete nach der EU-Vogelschutzrichtlinie 79/409/EWG in Niederösterreich. Im Auftrag der Niederösterreichischen Landesregierung, Typoskript

 

  • Lentner, R. (2003): Vogelschutzgebiete in Österreich - Fachliche Grundlagen zum Vorschlag der Österreichischen Bundesländer zur Lösung des Vertragsverletzungsverfahrens Nr.99/2115 nach der EU-Vogelschutzrichtlinie. Amt der Tiroler Landesregierung Abt. Umweltschutz, Innsbruck, Typoskript

 

  • Lentner R. (2004): Vogelschutzgebiete (SPAs) nach der EU Vogelschutzrichtlinie in Österreich: Statusbeschreibung und Perspektiven. In: Zanini, E. & Reithmayer, B. (Hrsg.), Natura 2000 in Österreich. Neuer Wissenschaftlicher Verlag

 

  • Lentner R. & M. O’Briain (2006): Action by DG Environment of European Commission relevant to HPAI H5N1 and wild birds. Summary of the presentation during the Scientific Seminar on Avian Influenza, the Environment and Migratory Birds, UNEP HQ, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya 10 – 11 April2006. Published by UNEP/CMS, Bonn, Gemany, Seminar CD.

 

  • Lentner R. & P. Warbanoff (2007): Important Bird Areas in Österreich: Das Karwendel, ein verkanntes Vogelparadies? In Vogelschutz in Österreich Nr. 23. Mitteilungen von BirdLife Österreich – Gesellschaft für Vogelkunde

 

  • Danzl A. & R. Lentner (2009): Ökologie einer isolierten Ortolan-Population (Emberiza hortulana) im Tiroler Inntal – Österreich. in: BERNARDY, P. (2009): Ökologie und Schutz des Ortolans in Europa – IV. Internationales Ortolan-Symposium. Naturschutz Landschaftspfl. Niedersachsen Heft 45 7-10 Hannover

 

  • Lentner, R & A. Kestler (2012): Tiroler Lechtal – Important Bird Area in Österreich. Vogelschutz in Österreich Nr 33, Nov 2012: 6-9

 

  • Müller-Derungs, M., R. Lentner, E. Albegger & P. Knaus (2014): Neue Brutnachweise des Mornellregenpfeifer Charadrius morinellus in Graubünden. Ornith. Beob. Bd.111 Heft 1, 1-12

 

  • Pfandl, B., R. Lentner & E. Hochbichler (2014): Siedlungsdichten und Habitatpräferenzen ausgewählter Waldvogelarten (Auerhuhn, Haselhuhn, Dreizehenspecht und Grauspecht) in den Brandenberger Alpen (Tirol) als Entscheidungshilfe für forstliche Planungen im Bergmischwald. Egretta Bd 53, 100-112

 

  • Lentner, R. (2016): Dotterel Charadrius morinellus Linnaeus, 1758 a new breeding bird for Tyrol. Egretta 54: 145-147.

 

  • Lentner, R., Masoner, A., & Lehne, F. (2018). Sind Zählungen an Balzplätzen von Auer-und Birkhühnern noch zeitgemäß? Ergebnisse aus dem Raufußhühner-Monitoring Tirol. Der Ornithologische Beobachter, 115(3), 215-238

 

  • Vallant, S., Niederstätter, H., Berger, B., Lentner, R., & Parson, W. (2018). Increased DNA typing success for feces and feathers of capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and black grouse (Tetrao tetrix). Ecology and Evolution, 8(8), 3941-3951

 

  • Lentner, R., Lehne, F., Masoner, A., Vallant, S. & J. Walde (2022): Raufußhühner-Monitoring Tirol, Monitoringperiode 2016–2019 mit Vergleichen zur Periode 2011–2014. Bericht an Land Tirol

 

  • Zeni, T., Haider, M., Vallant, S., Lentner, R., Steiner, F. M., & Schlick-Steiner, B. C. (2024). Towards a standardised set of data analyses for long-term genetic monitoring of grouse using non-invasive sampling: a case study on western capercaillie. Conservation Genetics, 25(1), 75-86

 

  • Lentner, R., Schalk, M., Niedrist, G., Kanduth, L., Danzl, A., Leikauf, T. & A. Fried (2025): Gebirgsvögel im Wandel? Zusammenfassung wesentlicher Ergebnisse einer Studie zur Änderung von Häufigkeit und Vorkommen der Brutvögel in ausgewählten Kulturlandschaften. Monticola in press

 

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