New publication on biodiversity!

Guilbault, E., Antão, L.H., Santangeli, A. et al. Shifting balance between habitat and climate in boreal biodiversity patterns across space, time and taxa. Nature Communication (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-78359-2

In a shell: We found that habitat composition was the main driver of biodiversity patterns in Finland, particularly for butterflies, birds, and small mammals, whereas climate and habitat jointly influenced large mammals and moths, with their relative importance varying across spatial and temporal scales. These findings highlight the central role of land use and its interactions with climate in shaping biodiversity.

 Abstract: Climate and habitat are key drivers of biodiversity patterns. However, how they independently and jointly affect species distribution across space, time, and taxa remains poorly understood. Here, we evaluate the relative importance of habitat and climate variables underpinning occurrence and abundance patterns of 503 terrestrial animal species over 20 years and a ~ 1100 km latitudinal gradient in Finland. Habitat composition is the main explanatory variable of biodiversity patterns, with varying importance and uncertainty across taxa, regions, and years, and with effects being partially correlated for many species. Specifically, habitat dominate in importance for butterflies, birds, and small mammals, while both habitat and climate explain the patterns of large mammals and moths. 

 Additionally, patterns between biogeographical regions and years are mainly explained by climate, while habitat explains most variation within regions and years. Further differences emerge among functional groups, as body size, pace of life and specialization modulate the relative importance of habitat and climate. Our findings emphasize that land use is a major force in shaping terrestrial biodiversity, while highlighting its tight connection with climate. Considering functional, spatial, and temporal contexts is thus essential for building effective conservation strategies for biodiversity under global change.

ReMatch on the news!

The algorithm ReMatch for the photo-identification of animals hits the news! 

 

New Publication on Coastal Resilience!

Hernan, G., [...], Tavecchia, G., [...], Santangeli, A., [...] and Stelzenmüller, V. 2026. Coastal Resilience in a Changing World: Lessons, Gaps, and Pathways Forward". Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, vol. 107, no. 9. E2326–E2336 https://doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-26-0238.1

 

The 4th-5th of November the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA, UIB/CSIC) hosted the International Symposium Coastal Resilience: Mitigating Threats for Healthy Oceans, bringing together more than 50 participants from over 15 international institutions. 

The symposium fostered interdisciplinary discussions on the main challenges facing coastal ecosystems, identifying key knowledge gaps, barriers, and innovative research directions to help define future scientific priorities and inform research investment. The article at https://doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-26-0238.1 is the Meeting Report.

 

 

 

New publication on red-necked nightjars!

Hidalgo-Rodríguez, P, Sanz-Aguilar, A., Edelaar P., [...],  Camacho, C. 2026 Temperature extremes across breeding and nonbreeding regions shape annual survival in a migratory bird, Current Zoology https://doi.org/10.1093/cz/zoag045

In a shell:Using 12 years of capture–recapture data from a migratory population of red-necked nightjars (Caprimulgus ruficollis), we found that adult survival was stable over time, with no effect of vegetation development (NDVI). In contrast, land surface temperature (LST) in both, wintering and breeding grounds, was positively associated with survival across age classes.  

Summary:Migratory birds experience diverse ecological conditions throughout their migratory range that can influence survival, particularly during vulnerable life stages such as juveniles. Identifying the life stages and regions that constrain populations is therefore essential for migratory species of conservation concern, including aerial insectivores. 

Using a migratory population of red-necked nightjars (Caprimulgus ruficollis) as a model, we analyzed 12 years (2010–2021) of capture–recapture data to estimate sex- and age-specific annual survival probabilities and assessed the effects of time (year), vegetation development (normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI]), and land surface temperature (LST) in the breeding (Doñana) and nonbreeding staging areas (Mali and Guinea). Survival probabilities remained constant throughout the study period. Adults showed higher survival (females: 0.660 ± 0.038 standard error (SE), 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.581–0.731; males: 0.677 ± 0.037 SE, 95% CI: 0.6–0.746) than juveniles (females: 0.398 ± 0.040 SE, 95% CI: 0.323–0.479; males: 0.352 ± 0.036 SE, 95% CI: 0.285–0.426), after accounting for age-specific differences in recapture probabilities. NDVI did not affect survival. In contrast, LST in both Doñana and Guinea was positively associated with survival in adults and juveniles. Our findings demonstrate that climatic factors operating in geographically distant regions can jointly shape red-necked nightjar demography and suggest that this species may be relatively resilient to projected increases in temperature.

 

 

Raccoons in Mallorca!

A press release on the situation of the raccoons in the Sierra de Tramuntana (Mallorca), mentioning the work by the GEDA in collaboration with the COFIB. 

 Here

Award! Best Poster at XXVII SEO congress

The poster presented by B. Albalat et al. on the effect of GPS deployment on the European Storm Petrel has been awarded among the best posters of the Congress. Congratulation Balma!

 

GEDA at the XXVII Spanish Ornithological Congress !

GEDA joined the XXVII Spanish Ornithologial Congress at Granda from the 2nd to 6th of September. See the program here

   

 

Subscriptions to CMRR 2026 workshop open!

Subscription to the upcoming workshop on CMRR analysis, now open.

 INTRODUCTORY COURSE: 23 - 27 Nov. 2026, Mallorca, Spain  

 (places: 20, price 350Є)

 

This introductory course aims to introduce students, researchers and environmental managers to the theory and practical aspects of the analysis of capture-mark-recapture and –recovery data to estimate survival, recruitment and dispersal probabilities. The course is based on theoretical classes as well as practical sessions with real and simulated data. The format of the course will be a combination of lectures and computer exercises with programs MARK, U-CARE and R. No previous knowledge of these programs is needed, but a personal lap-top is needed.

To register :  

https://fueib.org/es/uibtalent/238/formacion/curso/1905/workshop-on-capture-recapture-and-recovery-analysis-applied-to-animal-conservation

(click on: "MATRICULA-t'hi")

 

More info about the course: https://animaldemography.blogspot.com/p/workshop.html
 

If you want to ask more: g.tavecchia-at-uib.es

PhD Offer on demography ! (not with GEDA)

Contact : champagnon@tourduvalat.org

 

New publication on amphibians !

Sánchez-Montes, G., Rotger, A., Caballero-Díaz, C., Tavecchia, G., Gutiérrez-Rodríguez, J. and Martínez-Solano, Í. 2026. The Wonder Years: A Demographic Approach to Revisit the Age-at-Size Conundrum in Amphibians. Integrative Zoology. https://doi.org/10.1111/1749-4877.70086

 In a shell: This study shows that long-term capture–mark–recapture data combined with growth models can reliably estimate age from body size in amphibians, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. By applying this approach across multiple species, we improved understanding of age structure, maturity timing, and recruitment patterns, highlighting its value for amphibian conservation and demographic research.

Abstract: Characterizing age–structure patterns in amphibian populations is crucial to unravel the drivers of their demographic dynamics and implement biologically informed conservation management. Consequently, accurately assessing the age of individuals in wild populations is of utmost importance in the face of the current amphibian crisis. However, age estimation in amphibians has so far remained elusive due to the difficulty of lifetime tracking, especially during the terrestrial juvenile stage, and to the uncertainty associated with alternative methods like skeletochronology. 

 

Here, we illustrate the usefulness of long-term monitoring programs based on capture–mark–recapture to address age estimation from body size data. Specifically, we combined repeated body size measurements of marked individuals of unknown age throughout their adult life with growth records of individuals marked as postmetamorphic juveniles and recaptured years later as sexually mature adults, focusing on 10 amphibian species in central Spain. Growth models fitted to mark–recapture data provided robust estimates of size-at-age, supported by data on individuals of known age for five of the study species. For three additional species, known age records disproved mark–recapture models, but rendered enough data to build alternative growth models. The inferred consensus size estimates allowed discerning first- and second-year age classes in some species, contributing to assess the age at maturity of individuals and population-specific patterns of recruitment. Consequently, our demographic approach provided multi-evidence information to address age-at-size estimation in amphibians, thus demonstrating the value of long-term mark–recapture programs to fill pervasive gaps in our knowledge about amphibian demographic dynamics.

GEDA at the 11F day (2) !

Dr. Ana Sanz-Aguilar met the students of the IES Llorenç Garcías i Font in Artá duirng the 11F day 

 

New Publication on Humour at Scientific Conferences!

 Mammola, S., [..], Santangeli, A. ,[...], Stout, V. 2026. Statistically significant chuckles: who is using humoir at scientific conferences?  Proc Biol Sci 1293 (2067): 20253000. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2025.3000

 In a shell: Humour can significantly enhance engagement in scientific talks, but its use and effectiveness are shaped less by joke style and more by social dynamics—such as gender and language background—revealing underlying biases in who feels able to use humour and who is rewarded for it. 

Abstract: We’ve all been there: 11.47, swamped by a long stretch of dense scientific talks at a conference. Six slides into a hyper-technical presentation, the speaker suddenly cracks a joke. The room erupts. Shoulders relax. Minds re-engage. Humour is a powerful but underused tool in scientific communication, often sidelined by academic norms that view levity as unprofessional. Social biases can further shape who feels safe joking without risking credibility. 

 

At 14 biology-related conferences, we collected data on humour use across 531 talks. Jokes clustered at the beginnings and ends of talks, with an extra bump in successful jokes midway through. Most jokes (66%) earned only polite chuckles. Humour success was unrelated to the type of joke or form of delivery; however, male speakers told about 0.35 more jokes per talk, and both male and native speakers had a 10% higher probability of eliciting laughter. This suggests how social dynamics influence who feels comfortable using humour and whose jokes resonate with the audience. Until academia reckons with these biases, humour will remain a privilege. Still, for those brave enough or granted the social licence, a well-placed zinger can turn a forgettable talk into one people actually remember—and perhaps even enjoy. 

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.