Dr. Shawan Chowdhury

Guest Scientist

German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv)
Halle-Jena-Leipzig

Puschstraße 4
04103 Leipzig

Shawan Chowdhury


Research Interests

My research interests are threefold: insect migration, insect conservation, and citizen science.

I collated evidence demonstrating that hundreds of butterfly species migrate, many of them across vast distances, something that was previously believed to be the case for only a few species. I mapped and modelled their migratory journeys, discovering that, unlike birds, butterfly migration is concentrated in the tropics, and migratory butterflies can rapidly colonise new areas. In addition, I discovered, sadly, that insects are poorly conserved, with 76% of insect species being inadequately covered by protected areas.

Currently, as a part of the sMon project, I am combining and analysing the German biodiversity data to identify the changes in the state of biodiversity in Germany. Here, I regularly communicate and work with the data providers and nature conservation societies across Germany. I have developed strong big data analysis, collaboration, evidence synthesis, geospatial, and quantitative skills. While my experience is largely insect-oriented, I am always open to extend my research to other taxa. Feel free to reach out if you want to discuss anything.


Scientific Career

since August 2022

Postdoctoral Research Associate; Ecosystem Services research group FSU, UFZ, and German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig

October 2021 – July 2022

Research Assistant; Fuller Lab; The University of Queensland, Australia

April 2021 – August 2021

Data Analyst; Atlas of Living Australia; CSIRO, Canberra, Australia

March 17 – December 2017

Senior Sector Specialist, Entomology; BRAC Bangladesh

December 2016 – March 2017

Research Assistant; ActionAid Bangladesh

January 2018 – October 2021 [Degree awarded: May 2022]

PhD; School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Australia
Thesis: Insect migration and conservation

January 2015 – December 2016

MSc; Department of Zoology (Entomology), University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

January 2011 – December 2014

BSc; Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh


Publications

Index:

You could use our publication index for further requests.

2024 (5)

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2023 (8)

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2022 (2)

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