GEDA hits the news!

Form: CambridgeCoreBlog

The article by Santangeli et al. 2025 in Bird Conservation International hits the news at the Cambridge Core Blog. 

Read the entry here.

 

New Publication on Strorm petrel and parasites!

Payo-Payo, A.,  Rotger, A., Picorelli, V., Viñas Torres, M., Cardona, E., Martínez, O., and Sanz-Aguilar, A. 2026. “ Temporal and Spatial Heterogeneity in Dispersal and Demography of a Long-Lived Philopatric Seabird.” Ecosphere 17(2): e70547. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.70547

In a shell: The study shows that habitat selection of Mediterranean Storm Petrels across spatial and temporal scales strongly affects fitness, fidelity, and population dynamics in a colony with contrasting habitat quality driven by parasite infestation.

Abstract: Individuals make habitat selection decisions at different moments of their life and in heterogeneous habitats. Understanding the links between environmental changes and demographic patterns during the individuals' life is therefore critical to predict long-term eco-evolutionary dynamics and species persistence. However, fitness and persistence consequences of habitat selection are seldom addressed in demographic studies. We used long-term capture–recapture data of Mediterranean Storm Petrels to investigate how habitat-selection decisions are made at different spatial (i.e., among and within breeding zones) and temporal (i.e., natal and breeding fidelity) scales in a colony characterized by significant variation in habitat quality due to contrasting parasite infestation levels. Specifically, we evaluate whether birds hatched in and/or breeding at different zones experience different (1) fitness components (i.e., breeding success and survival) and (2) fidelity (i.e., natal and breeding fidelity). 

In addition, we (3) explore the causes, environmental cues, and consequences of nest fidelity versus dispersal. Finally, we project (4) how these differences influence population dynamics and persistence (i.e., population growth rate). Our findings reveal that habitat selection decisions have synergistic fitness consequences on multiple temporal and spatial scales considered. Specifically, breeders in the lower quality habitat zone (i.e., high tick infestation) exhibited reduced breeding success, local survival, and nest fidelity, but remained within their zone. Breeding success of individuals exhibiting nest dispersal marginally increased. Moreover, natal fidelity was lowest at the zone where fitness was highest. Overall, population growth rate at the colony suggests an annual population decline between 6% and 10%. Individuals seem to base their dispersal decision, but not their habitat selection choices on public information. As a result, birds do not experience increased fitness, indicating the potential presence of an evolutionary trap. Understanding the interplay between synergistic and opposing habitat choices is central to understanding species eco-evolutionary dynamics. Further, our results highlight exciting avenues for future research, when aiming to understand the complex and fundamental roles played by heterogeneity in habitat quality in species demography and eco-evolutionary dynamics, with significant implications for species management and conservation strategies 

GEDA at the 11F day!

Within the framework of the 11F activities, Balma Albalat Oliver visited the IES Quartó de Rei in Santa Eulària des Riu, Ibiza, to give two outreach talks to 120 students aged 12–13 (1st ESO groups).

 She shared her career journey in science, showing students what it’s like to work in field research and the different paths that can lead to a career in science. Participation was encouraged, making science tangible through interactive activities. Students also got a hands-on look at field samples and learned about s tools for sampling. 

The sessions also highlighted the challenges and achievements of women in science, including:

• Recovering the stories of pioneering women in ornithology
• Recognizing the contributions of female scientists today
• Promoting safe and inclusive workplaces
• Encouraging young girls to pursue research in ecology and population studies

By combining science education with stories of personal and professional growth, these activities aim to inspire the next generation of female scientists while raising awareness about ecology and conservation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GEDA at the "IX Jornades de Medi Ambient"

GEDA has joined the "IX Jornada de Media Ambient" with several contributions on reptiles and seabirds:

Suàrez, J., Villa, A., Matamales, R., Sanz-Aguilar, A., Igual, J.M., Tavecchia, G., Bassitta, M., Rotger, A., Ramon, C. i Terrasa, B. Variacions temporals en la mida corporal de Podarcis lilfordi (Günther, 1874) i la seva relació amb la cobertura vegetal. In: Pons, G.X., del Valle, L., McMinn, M. Pinya, S. i Vicens, D. (eds.). Llibre de ponències i comunicacions de les IX Jornades de Medi Ambient de les Illes Balears. 599-602. Societat d’Història Natural de les Balears (SHNB) – Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB). ISBN 978-84-09-77838-6.

Suàrez, J., Villa, A., Matamales, R., Sanz-Aguilar, A., Igual, J.M., Tavecchia, G., Bassitta, M., Rotger, A. Estudi biomètric preliminar del dimorfisme sexual de Podarcis lilfordi (Günther, 1874) a vuit illots de Mallorca. In: Pons, G.X., del Valle, L., McMinn, M. Pinya, S. i Vicens, D. (eds.). Llibre de ponències i comunicacions de les IX Jornades de Medi Ambient de les Illes Balears. 603-605. Societat d’Història Natural de les Balears (SHNB) – Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB). ISBN 978-84-09-77838-6.

Sanz-Aguilar, A., Rotger, A., Payo Payo, A., Viñas, M., Cardona, E., Martínez, O., Ramis, M.
i Picorelli, V. Dinàmica de la població de fumarells (Hydrobates pelagicus) a la colònia de s’Espartar.   In: Pons, G.X., del Valle, L., McMinn, M. Pinya, S. i Vicens, D. (eds.). Llibre de ponències i comunicacions de les IX Jornades de Medi Ambient de les Illes Balears. 529-532. Societat d’Història Natural de les Balears (SHNB) – Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB). ISBN 978-84-09-77838-6.

Rotger, A., Reyes, I., De Pablo, F. i Sanz-Aguilar, A. Tendències poblacionals dels vertebrats
terrestres a Menorca: síntesi de dades, patrons emergents i implicacions per a la conservació. In: Pons, G.X., del Valle, L., McMinn, M. Pinya, S. i Vicens, D. (eds.). Llibre de ponències i comunicacions de les IX Jornades de Medi Ambient de les Illes Balears.559-563.Societat d’Història Natural de les Balears (SHNB) – Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB). ISBN 978-84-09-77838-6. 

  

 

 

 

New publication on avian phenology!

Radchuk, V., Jones, C.V., McLean, N., [...], Igual, J.M., [...], Sanz-Aguilar, A., [...], Tavecchia, G. et al. 2026 Changes in phenology mediate vertebrate population responses to temperature globally. Nature Communications 17, 479 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-68172-8

In a shell:  While morphology is largely climate insensitive, earlier phenology in warmer years generally boosts population growth, with strong local variation indicating that simple species-level predictors fail to capture responses to warming.

Abstarct: Phenotypic responses to climate affect individual fitness, but the extent to which this translates into effects on population dynamics remains poorly understood. We assemble 213 time series on phenotypes and population sizes of wild vertebrates globally and match them with local climate data. Our meta-analysis shows that morphological traits are mostly climate insensitive. However, phenology is earlier in warmer-than-average years, which contributes positively to population growth in most species. At lower latitudes, temperature has weaker effects on phenology but stronger direct negative effects on population growth, likely because these populations are less capable of tracking climate via plasticity. Variation in the phenology-mediated effect of temperature on population growth cannot be explained by latitude, generation time, migratory mode, or diet. This suggests that simple relationships between species characteristics and population responses to warming may not occur in nature. Instead, we may need to embrace ecological complexity by considering local-scale predictors that capture intra-specific variation.

 

 

New Publication: Little Bustard densities!

Santangeli A, Pes M, Cardillo A, ... Rotger A. (2025). The importance of extensively managed grasslands and protected areas for a flagship steppe bird, the Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax, on a Mediterranean island. Bird Conservation International. 35:e39. doi:10.1017/S095927092510035X

In a shell: A new study surveyed the relict, isolated Little Bustard population on Sardinia. It found low overall densities, with most birds concentrated in just two subpopulations, The findings emphasize that conserving extensively managed grasslands and strengthening protected-area management are critical to prevent further declines.

Abstract: "The Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax has experienced steep population declines across its range, with Sardinia now hosting the last remaining Italian population and the only island population worldwide. We conducted a systematic island-wide survey in 2023, based on 969 point-count data, analysed through robust distance sampling, to assess population density, spatial distribution, habitat associations, and the role of protected areas. We estimated a total density of 0.89 males/km², with 85% of individuals concentrated in two highland subpopulations, i.e. Ozieri and Abbasanta.

 

 Highest densities occurred in hay meadows and heterogeneous landscapes, while arable and fallow lands supported lower densities. Protected areas hosted five times higher densities of Little Bustard than unprotected land. Land-use changes over the past 13 years and current soil degradation showed no significant association with current densities, suggesting that declines may be linked to earlier landscape transformations. Our results underscore the critical importance of protected areas and traditional agropastoral systems for the conservation of the Little Bustard in Sardinia. Urgent conservation planning is needed to maintain existing habitats and mitigate emerging threats from land-use change and infrastructure expansion."

 

 

The Workshop 2025 ended

The Workshop 2025 on capture-mark-recapture and recoveries applied to animal conservation has ended last friday! Thank you all participants. It was a nice occasion to learn about new studies in Spain, Italy, Mexico and to meet new researchers. Thank you again!

 

 

New publication on Avian Influenza!

Plaza, P., Santangeli, A., Rosciano, N., Cancellario, T., Girardello, M., Wikelski, M., & Lambertucci, S. A. (2025). Wild Birds Affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Worldwide: Epidemiological Insights Into the Recent Panzootic. Global Change Biology, 31(10), e70523.

In a shell:   This study mapped global H5N1 risk areas and found that from 2020 to 2025, the virus spread rapidly to nearly the entire world, mostly within predicted high-risk zones. It highlights that gregarious, non-migratory, carnivorous birds tolerant of human environments are most vulnerable—key information for guiding targeted surveillance and prevention efforts.

Abstract: In recent years, especially as a consequence of global change, several emerging pathogens have caused alarming effects in wild species. One of these pathogens, the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1), is causing global mortalities in animals with an increasing risk to humans. Wild birds play a key role in viral transmission and spread. Using the distribution ranges of wild bird species reported as infected, we mapped global risk areas for viral spread and analyzed the spatio-temporal evolution of H5N1 from January 2017 to March 2025. 

 

We also examined the overlap between the mapped risk areas and positive cases occurring in wild birds and poultry over this period to evaluate whether these cases align with the risk areas previously identified. Finally, we evaluated whether ecological traits of wild birds, such as gregariousness, tolerance of anthropic habitats, migratory behavior, and trophic level, are associated with the viral infection. From 2017 to September 2020, the H5N1 virus high-risk areas and cases in wild birds and poultry were few and mainly limited to Asia and Europe. From October 2020 to March 2025, the rise in H5N1 cases led to rapid expansion of high-risk areas for virus circulation and spread to almost the entire world. The increase in cases occurred within predicted high-risk areas for both wild birds and poultry. The wild bird species most at risk of contracting the viral infection were those that are gregarious, tolerant of anthropic habitats, are non-migratory, and occupy the upper trophic level. Our findings provide insights that could enhance surveillance and conservation efforts aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of H5N1 virus. These efforts can be optimized by prioritizing high-risk regions and species identified as particularly susceptible to H5N1.