A5061648155- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Avian ecology and behavior
- Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Identification and Quantification in Food
- Conservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management
- Mercury impact and mitigation studies
- Isotope Analysis in Ecology
- African Botany and Ecology Studies
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Fish Ecology and Management Studies
- Agriculture, Land Use, Rural Development
- Heavy metals in environment
- Oil Palm Production and Sustainability
- Marine and fisheries research
- Statistical Methods and Bayesian Inference
- Insect symbiosis and bacterial influences
- Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
- Rabbits: Nutrition, Reproduction, Health
- Mediterranean and Iberian flora and fauna
- Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Studies
- Dermatological and Skeletal Disorders
- Wildlife-Road Interactions and Conservation
Universidade do Porto
2013-2025
California State University, Dominguez Hills
2025
University of Lisbon
2022-2024
Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos
2011-2019
University of Cape Verde
2019
University of Algarve
1999-2009
Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve
2002
University of La Serena
1998
University of Siena
1997
Instituto de Neurociencia Biomédica
1977
Summary 1. Over a large part of its very restricted and fragmented range, Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus occur in remote mountainous country at low density, where the only information about species comprises records incidental sightings obtained by inquiry. In this study we developed an approach for quantifying lynx–habitat relationships distribution patterns from sighting data, using western Algarve (Portugal) 1990–95. 2. Habitat was described terms land cover, topography, human disturbance...
Population viability analysis (PVA) has become a basic tool of current conservation practice. However, if not accounted for properly, the uncertainties inherent to PVA predictions can decrease reliability this type analysis. In present study, we performed whole western European population (France, Portugal, and Spain) endangered Bonelli's Eagle ( Aquila fasciata ), in which thoroughly explored consequences uncertainty processes parameters on predictions. First, estimated key vital rates...
Abstract Aim To explore the influence of an emerging infectious disease (EID) affecting a prey species on spatial patterns and temporal shifts in diet predator over large geographical scale. We reviewed studies Bonelli’s eagles ( Hieraaetus fasciatus ) order to determine repercussions reduction density its main prey, rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus ), caused by outbreaks haemorrhagic (RHD) since 1988. Location Western continental Europe. Methods compiled published unpublished information...
Although scrub cover is generally regarded as an important habitat component of the European wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus, little known about species' responses to variation in structure and composition. Such information required for conservation management rabbits Mediterranean scrublands Iberian Peninsula (southwestern Europe), where species both a key resource range endangered predators popular game species. To address this issue, we estimated effects variables characterising...
Summary Predator conservation management requires detailed understanding of the ecological circumstances associated with predation, especially that on economically valuable prey. We examined mechanisms behind Bonelli's eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus predation prey domestic origin, using dietary data from 22 pairs breeding in south‐west Portugal (1992–2001) together information landscape composition and availability. Numerically, 42·7% (37·7% biomass) comprised species, about 70% which were rural...
Understanding the mechanisms that shape animal population dynamics is of fundamental interest in ecology, evolution and conservation biology. Food supply an important limiting factor most populations may have demographic consequences. Optimal foraging theory predicts greater consumption preferred prey less diet diversity when food abundant, which benefit key fitness parameters such as productivity survival. Nevertheless, correspondence between individual resource use processes avian...
Abstract Modern humans widely shaped present ecosystems through intentional and unintentional geographical redistribution of wildlife, both in historical pre‐historical times. However, the patterns ancient human‐mediated indirect changes wildlife range are largely unknown, mechanisms behind them remain obscure. We used a multidisciplinary approach to (a) reconstruct process colonization Mediterranean Basin by long‐lived bird prey, Bonelli's eagle ( Aquila fasciata ), (b) test hypothesis that...
Abstract The Corubal (Guinea-Bissau) is a wild but underexplored river in West Africa. This study underscores the potential of environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys to fill biodiversity knowledge gaps region. We filtered large water volumes at 11 sites along watershed, amplified multiple molecular markers, and performed high PCR (polymerase chain reaction) replication in-depth sequencing. recorded 2589 amplicon sequence variants, with accumulation curves indicating need for additional sampling...
Abstract Our commentary explores the increase in cashew cultivation across West Africa, drawing attention to its impacts on biodiversity and livelihoods. We summarize issue regionally, then showcase Guinea‐Bissau, where we unravel dynamics between expansion, habitat loss, Finally, propose concrete policy measures encompassing strengthened conservation, sustainable land‐use planning, enhanced farming practices, community engagement, international market reforms. recommendations extend beyond...
Abstract Mammals house a complex community of gut bacteria, known as the microbiome, well endoparasitic helminths. Very little is about how much helminth microbiota are derived or distinct from their hosts. Helminths that inhabit gastrointestinal tract, microbially rich environment, would likely have many opportunities to derive microbial host. We characterized and compared microbiome chipmunk hosts internal pinworms, type nematode. sampled fresh feces used 16S rRNA sequencing characterize...
<title>Abstract</title> Challenges in freshwater organism conservation West Africa are worsened by significant knowledge gaps, even for charismatic species like crocodiles. This study addresses these gaps assessing crocodile diversity, distribution, and threats Guinea-Bissau, where existing data is outdated. We used visual surveys, inquiries, molecular barcoding, camera trapping, bibliographic reviews to investigate populations. Notably, we found evidence suggesting the Nile...
Tropical landscapes are perishing due to high rates of land-use change. In West Africa, Guinea-Bissau lost 77% its closed-canopy forest over the last 25 years, mostly expansion cashew monoculture. To date, understanding how species cope with such changes remains a conservation priority for region. Here we examine mammal composition, richness, and abundance, in addition trophic-guild abundance across sub-humid forests cashews orchards Cantanhez National Park, southwest Guinea-Bissau. Mammals...
Land-use change is the main driver of biodiversity loss worldwide. However, less known about how species adapt their behavior to persist in human-altered habitats. We addressed this gap by examining mammal responses terms habitat use and diel activity patterns forest conversion into cashew orchards West Africa. surveyed mammals using camera-trapping 12 sites Cantanhez National Park southwest Guinea-Bissau, grouped (1) diurnal cathemeral (2) nocturnal according periods assessed between types....
An abstract is not available for this content. As you have access to content, full HTML content provided on page. A PDF of also in through the ‘Save PDF’ action button.
Abstract Baseline information on species diversity is lacking in many parts of the world. To address this gap, we conducted first assessment small mammal Cantanhez National Park, Guinea‐Bissau, West Africa. We used live‐ and pitfall‐trapping to sample mammals identified them molecularly. recorded 183 individuals from 11 (eight rodents three shrews). Half captures were made up forest soft‐furred mouse Praomys rostratus (48.1%), followed by multimammate mouses Mastomys huberti (18.0%)...
Understanding the levels and drivers of contamination in top predators is important for their conservation eventual use as sentinels environmental monitoring. Therefore, metals trace elements were analyzed feathers Bonelli's eagles (Aquila fasciata) from southern Portugal 2007–2013, where they are believed to be exposed a wide range sources such agricultural land uses, urban areas, active abandoned mines coal-fired power plant. We focused on concentrations aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), copper...
Abstract The status of the forest elephant Loxodonta cyclotis in Guinea-Bissau has been doubt since last assessment 2006. In 2020–2022 we carried out field surveys to update species' status. We found signs within an area c. 1,000 km 2 . Microsatellite genotyping faeces identified four males. Females could not be individually but their presence was confirmed by molecular sex determination. Camera trapping (2,075 camera-trap days) recorded 824 photos 24 independent sequences, involving three...
Summary 1. A long‐standing question in ecology is how natural populations respond to a changing environment. Emergent optimal foraging theory‐based models for individual variation go beyond the population level and predict its individuals would disturbances that produce changes resource availability. 2. Evaluating variations use patterns at intrapopulation wild under environmental conditions allow further advance research on evolution by gaining better idea of underlying mechanisms...