New publication on Shearwaters!

Bolumar Roda,S.,J.M. Igual,J.-M.,Rotger,A., Santangeli, A., Genovart,M., Oro,D., Martín-Pérez,M.,Ferrer-Palou,L.,Sanz-Aguilar,A., & Tavecchia,G., 2026. Environmental forcing, individual repeatability, and mother–daughter resemblance shape the phenology of a long-lived seabird, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.123 (45) e2533000123, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2533000123 (2026).

 In a shell: Using 22 years of data from 2,065 breeding events in Scopoli’s Shearwaters, we show that laying dates respond plastically to climatic variation (wNAO), while individual breeding timing is highly repeatable and resembles that of mothers, suggesting persistent individual or inherited effects. Earlier breeding was associated with higher breeding success and adult survival, highlighting how environmental plasticity and individual differences jointly shape reproductive timing and fitness.

 Abstract: Climate change and variability push species to shift their distributions and phenology to track their climatic niche. Predicting population responses requires identifying the environmental cues that trigger reproduction, their fitness consequences, and the intrinsic factors that shape individual breeding decisions. In long-lived species with deferred breeding, extrinsic (environmental) and intrinsic (individual/maternal) factors may interact in shaping responses to environmental change, but direct empirical evidence remains scarce. We use 2065 breeding events collected over 22 y on a wide-ranging seabird, the Scopoli’s Shearwater. 

We quantify the effects on population mean laying date of a large-scale climatic index (wNAO) associated with oceanographic conditions. We assess how individual breeding experience and mother–daughter resemblance contribute to among-female differences in reproductive timing, and evaluate the consequences for breeding success (BS) and adult survival. Average laying date was earlier under negative phases of wNAO, indicating a plastic response at the population level. Individual repeatability in the relative laying date (RLD) was high (R = 0.50) irrespective of experience, indicating consistency among females. Using 142 mother–daughter cases, daughters’ RLD resembled those of their mothers, a covariance that may reflect genetic inheritance, maternal effects, or shared environment. Early laying was associated with higher BS and survival, translating into an annual fitness advantage. Differences in survival and BS across individuals were more evident during the first observed breeding attempts. Together, these results support a scenario in which plasticity shifts the population mean breeding date in response to climatic variation, while persistent traits generate differential fitness among individuals. 

New Publication on Lizard helminths!

Ribas A, de los Ríos-Solera JA, Tavecchia G, Rotger, A, Delgado Pizzo, I., Esquivel, C., and Baldo, L. 2026. Intestinal helminths of the Balearic lizard Podarcis lilfordi (Günther, 1874): morphology, genetics and prevalence. Parasitology. Published online 1-11. doi:10.1017/S003118202610290X 

In a shell: This study reassessed intestinal helminths in eight insular populations of the endemic Balearic lizard Podarcis lilfordi, confirming two species, Spauligodon cabrerae and Parapharyngodon lilfordi, with high overall prevalence (52%) but low parasite diversity. While P. lilfordi occurred on all eight islands, S. cabrerae was restricted to Dragonera and Cabrera, and differences in genetic structure between the two species highlight the need for broader sampling and genomic approaches to better understand host–parasite evolution in insular environments.

Abstract: Many insular lacertids represent endemic lineages and are known to harbour unique assemblages of endemic intestinal parasites, making them an interesting system to study host-parasite dynamics. Here, we reassessed the diversity, distribution and prevalence of intestinal helminths infecting the endemic Balearic lizard Podarcis lilfordi across eight insular populations of Mallorca and Cabrera archipelagos. Using a combination of coprological screening, morphological analyses and molecular characterization, we confirmed the presence of two helminth species, Spauligodon cabrerae and Parapharyngodon lilfordi (Oxyuroidea:Pharyngodoninae), both originally described in the late 1980s. 

No additional helminth taxa were observed, indicating a poorly diverse parasite community compared to historical reports. Phylogenetic analyses based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences, obtained from newly designed primers, supported a clear species-level identification and indicated low genetic variation in Par. lilfordi and more pronounced structuring in S. cabrerae across insular populations. Parasite prevalence was high (52%), with Par. lilfordi occurring across all eight islands, whereas S. cabrerae was restricted to the largest islands of Dragonera and Cabrera. Specimen coinfection with both nematode species was observed on both islands. Infection probability was not associated with lizard body size, sex or body condition, which is consistent with a low virulence of these oxyurids, likely favoured by coevolutionary dynamics and temporal stability of the symbiosis in these high-density lizard populations. Overall, this study provides an updated assessment of parasite diversity in Pod. lilfordi and underscores the need for expanded sampling and genomic approaches to better understand host–parasite evolution in insular environments. 

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.

 

 

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.

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. 

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 

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 on European Storm Petrel foraging areas!

 Bolumar Roda, S., Rotger, A., santangeli A., Tavecchia, G., Sola, A., [...] and Sanz-Aguilar, A., 2024. Coping with ocean dynamics: Foraging strategy and implications for conservation of a small petrel. Biological Conservation, 302: 110913 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2024.110913  

 In a shell: The study used GPS tracking and oceanographic data to model foraging habitats of European Storm-petrels in the Western Mediterranean, identifying key regions influenced by dynamic oceanographic features that largely fall outside Marine Protected Areas, highlighting the need for conservation measures.

Abstract: Seabirds' distribution is generally influenced by the ecological dynamics of marine environments. Understanding how oceanographic features shape seabird foraging behaviour remains a challenge. We combined GPS tracking locations (n = 2883) of 39 European Storm-petrels (Hydrobates pelagicus) breeding in four West Mediterranean colonies during incubation over multiple years (2019–2021) with near-real-time remotely sensed oceanographic drivers. We model habitat selection using GPS tracking data from one colony, Benidorm Island, and use data from other three colonies for validation.

Photo: V. Paris

We show that suitable foraging areas are strongly characterized by low sea surface temperature, high chlorophyll concentration and eddy kinetic energy. Based on this model, we predict habitat suitability maps for 2018–2022. Cross-validation using data from the other three colonies highlights that the identified suitable areas are universally applicable across other Storm-petrel colonies in the Western Mediterranean. We identified the Alboran Sea, the North African coast, the Gulf of Lion and the Ebro River Delta as the most suitable regions. These areas are characterized by high mesoscale variability, suggesting the importance of dynamic oceanographic features in determining foraging habitat. Identified main foraging areas are largely outside of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), thus vulnerable to anthropogenic threats such as overfishing and energy infrastructure development. The critical foraging areas identified for this species underscore the need to expand the MPA network and/or adopt sustainable resource extraction in unprotected marine areas.

New Publication on vultures !

Santangeli A, Fozzi I, De Rosa D, et al. Quantifying the regulation and cultural ecosystem services associated with Griffon Vultures Gyps fulvus in Sardinia, Italy. Bird Conservation International. 2024;34:e35. doi:10.1017/S0959270924000327 

 In a shell: The study shows the roles in carcass disposal, greenhouse gas mitigation, cultural identity, and ecotourism of Griffon Vultures in Sardinia, while emphasizing the need for their conservation to ensure sustainable human-wildlife coexistence.

Abstract: In the Anthropocene, recognising nature’s role in human well-being is pivotal for biodiversity conservation. Despite their significance, knowledge gaps persist regarding ecosystem services, even for well-studied species like vultures. Our study focuses on the Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus in Sardinia, Italy, exploring their cultural and regulating services, including carcass disposal and resulting greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation. Through surveys of natural reserve visitors and data on carcass provision and GHG emissions, we assess public perception, economic value, and environmental impacts associated with vultures. The public perception of Griffon Vultures is predominantly positive, with a strong acknowledgment of their role in disease prevention and carcass disposal, highlighting their contribution to regulation services. 

Furthermore, vultures are widely recognised as a key element characterising the agropastoral landscapes of Sardinia, underscoring their cultural importance. The economic evaluation, through willingness to pay for vulture-watching and photography opportunities, indicates a significant appreciation of these birds, with almost three-quarters of respondents willing to pay an entrance fee at vulture observation sites. We also show that supplanting the disposal role of vultures at studied feeding sites (during 2017–2022) would result in the emission of 96 tons of CO2 equivalent, which highlights the critical role of vultures in climate mitigation. This study not only sheds light on the ecological and cultural significance of Griffon Vultures in Sardinia but also underscores the economic and environmental benefits of their conservation. It emphasises the need for continued efforts in vulture conservation, integrating ecological, cultural, and economic perspectives to foster a sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife.

New Publication on animal traits and pathogens!

Xu, Y., Laine, [ ..] Santangeli, A., [...], Lehikoinen, A. 2024 Slow-lived birds and bats carry higher pathogen loads. One Earth, 7, 1–12.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2024.04.021.

In a shell: The study investigates how species traits and local climate factors identify pathogen reservoir hosts among birds and bats in Europe. Species with slower life paces, sedentary habits, and forest habitats show high pathogen prevalence, with temperature being a crucial predictor.

Summary: Wildlife and zoonotic diseases are increasingly impacting human society, the food chain, and wildlife; therefore, proactive mitigation tools for predicting large-scale risk of the relevant pathogens are urgently needed. Birds and bats are large-scale disease reservoirs and transmitters. However, holistic understanding for which bird and bat species act as reservoirs for pathogens remains understudied. Here, we test the extent to which the features related to the mobile species and local climate identify reservoir hosts for the 18 most-sampled pathogens across Europe. Species with slower pace of life (i.e., larger bodied and longer lived), sedentary species, and forest species had high pathogen prevalence. Temperature was the most important predictor for pathogen prevalence, but its effects varied in different directions. Overall, host species traits and climatic gradients robustly predicted pathogen prevalence, especially for non-vector-transmitted pathogens. We offer a data-driven basis for developing targeted interventions to mitigate impacts of zoonotic diseases, particularly in the face of climate change.

New Publication on birds and humans!

Marjakangas, E.-L., Johnston, A., Santangeli, A., & Lehikoinen, A. (2024). Bird species' tolerance to human pressures and associations with population change. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 00, e13816. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.13816

In a shell: About 22% of bird species can tolerate heavily modified human-dominated environments, while only 0.001% are exclusive to intact environments, with variations in HTI linked to species' population trends, providing valuable insights for conservation planning and identifying species at risk

 Abstract: Some species thrive in human-dominated environments, while others are highly sensitive to all human pressures. However, standardized estimates of species' tolerances to human pressures are lacking at large spatial extents and taxonomic breadth. Here, we quantify the world's bird species' tolerances to human pressures. The associated precision values can be applied to scientific research and conservation. We used binary observation data from eBird and modelled species' occurrences as a function of the Human Footprint Index (HFI). With these models, we predicted how likely each species was to occur under different levels of human pressures.

Then, we calculated each species' Human Tolerance Index (HTI) as the level of the HFI where predicted occurrence probability was reduced to 50% of the maximum species' occurrence probability. We used resampling to obtain estimates of uncertainty of the Human Tolerance Indices. We also compared tolerances across species with increasing, stable, and decreasing population trends. We found that 22% of the bird species tolerated the most modified human-dominated environments, whereas 0.001% of species only occurred in the intact environments. We also found that HTI varied according to species' population trend categories, whereby species with decreasing population trends had a lower tolerance than species with increasing or stable population trends. 

The estimated HTI indicates the potential of species to exist in a landscape of intensifying human pressures. It can identify species unable to tolerate these environments and inform subsequent conservation efforts. We found evidence that species' sensitivity to human-dominated environments may be driving birds' use of space. Bird species' tolerances are also linked to their population trends, making the tolerances a relevant addition to conservation planning.

 

New publication on illegal and accidental hunting!

Pérez‐García, J. M., Sebastián‐González, E., Rodríguez‐Caro, R., Sanz‐Aguilar, A., Botella, F. (2023). Blind shots: non‐natural mortality counteracts conservation efforts of a threatened waterbird”. Animal Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1111/acv.12906

In a shell: The study found that 60% of recorded mortalities of the marbled teal was due to non-natural causes, including illegal shooting. Hunters might kill marbled teals accidentally while shooting other game species. The study highlights the need to reduce illegal shootings to establish a viable population of marbled teal.

Abstract: Waterbirds are particularly affected by the high hunting pressure they face in many regions, which in some cases is compromising conservation actions for threatened species. The marbled teal Marmaronetta angustirostris is one of the most endangered waterbirds in Europe. In order to restore its population, several conservation actions have recently been undertaken, including a population reinforcement programme in Spain using captive-bred birds. With the aim of assessing the success of the reinforcement programme to establish a long-term self-sustaining population, we identified mortality causes of marbled teal, evaluated the survival of individual birds of the reinforcement programme and estimated the viability of the population under different management scenarios. 

Pohto: Wikipedia.com

We used data from wild and captive-bred individuals tracked by GPS since 2018 (n = 42) and from a mark–recapture programme initiated in 2015 (n = 297). We recovered 15 dead birds or transmitters: 20% died of natural causes, 60% of non-natural causes (including all anthropic causes) and 20% of unknown causes. Furthermore, the GPS tags of 24 birds unexpectedly stopped transmitting without any indication of malfunction, and for 66.7% of these disappeared birds, the cessation was suspected to be caused by illegal shooting. Survival during the hunting season was higher for males (31.3%) than for females (12.5%), and for the wild (50%) than for the captive-bred birds (9.4%), probably due to differences in migration patterns to North Africa. Population viability models revealed that maintaining the breeding population at the current mortality rates is only possible with a permanent release programme of captive-bred individuals, and that in order to establish a self-sustaining population, non-natural mortality would have to be reduced by at least 40%. We recommend management measures to reduce marbled teal mortality, such as limiting legal hunting to hours with clear visibility, prosecuting illegal shootings, controlling exotic predators and improving water management to reduce disease outbreaks. Some improvements can be implemented in captive-breeding programmes, such as earlier release times and incorporating anti-predator training.

A press note (in Spanish) here

New publication on climate and sex-ratio!

Santidrián Tomillo, P. 2022 When population-advantageous primary sex ratios are female-biased: changing concepts to facilitate climate change management in sea turtles. Climatic Change 175, 15, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-022-03470-4

Abstract: Sea turtles have temperature-dependent sex determination. Because females are produced at high temperatures, increasing global temperature may lead to population feminization. Primary sex ratios (PSR) of sea turtle hatchlings are naturally female-biased, but this translates into a more balanced operational sex ratio because male turtles reproduce more often than females. As a consequence, a balanced PSR and the temperature that produces it (pivotal temperature) are of limited use to guide climate mitigation management because an equal PSR may be demographically suboptimal. 

Photo from wikipedia.org

Here, I define population-advantageous primary sex ratios (PA-PSR) as the PSR that will tend to be in equilibrium in a population and that will result in balanced operational sex ratios; I then estimate PA-PSR for different reproductive frequencies (years elapsed between reproductive seasons) of adult female and male turtles. I also define population equilibrium temperature (PET) as the temperature that would result in the equilibrium PSR of hatchlings (i.e., PA-PSR). These concepts may help assess the influence of rising temperatures on populations, as they can better indicate if PSRs depart from those at equilibrium. I compared PA-PSR and beach PSR for two populations of sea turtles for which male and female remigration intervals were known and found that a mild or no feminization over the PA-PSR may be occurring. Because PSR varies inter-annually, and hatchlings coming from beaches of different thermal conditions could recruit to the same population, it is critical to estimate beach PSR at the right temporal and spatial scales. Climate mitigation strategies based on these concepts could provide better management guidance for conservation practitioners. Similar approaches could be considered for other female-biased species with temperature-dependent sex determination.

Press release on gulls !

A. Sanz-Aguilar and J.-M. Igual wrote a press release on why gulls can be seen inland. They took the oportunity to resume our 14-year study on the Yellow legged gull. Here

 

 

 

ECOPIC on Mallorcan vulture!

Cortés-Avizanda, A. and Tavecchia, G. 2021. New arrivals: natural colonization of an island by a large vertebrate. EcoPics 419 Front Ecol Environ doi:10.1002/fee.2398

The arrival of the Griffon vulture in Mallorca and the associated research project has been highlighted on the ECOPIC section of Fronters in Ecology and Environment here.

New publication on climate change and bird breeding phenology!

Mingozzi, T., Storino, P., Venuto, G., Massolo, A., Tavecchia, G., 2021. Climate warming induced a streth of the breeding season and an increase of second clutches in a passerine breeding at its altitude limits. Current Zoology, zoab029, https://doi.org/10.1093/cz/zoab029

Abstract: The increase in the average air temperature due to global warming has produced an early onset of the reproduction in many migratory birds of the Paleartic region. According to the “mismatch hypothesis” this response can lead to a decrease in the breeding output when the conditions that trigger the departure from the wintering areas do not match the availability of food resources in the breeding ground. We used 653 brooding events registered during the period 1991–2013 to investigate the link between climatic variables and individual breeding performance of a partially migratory passerine, the Rock SparrowPetronia petronia, breeding at the altitude limit of its distribu-tion.

 

Photo: Corrado Damiano

The laying date (LD) of the earliest first clutch was associated with local spring (minimum) temperatures but did not show a significant trend during the period considered. The LD of the latest first clutch had a positive and statistically significant trend, unrelated to local covariates and resulting in a longer breeding season (1.5 days/year). A longer breeding season allowed birds to produce more second clutches, which proportion increased from 0.14 to 0.25. The average breeding success was also positively correlated with the average temperature in July and with the duration of the breeding season. Contrary to expectations, the most important climate-dependent effect was a stretch of the breeding season due to a significant increase of the LD of the latest first-clutches rather than an earlier breeding onset. We show how climate changes act on bird populations through multiple paths and stress the need to assess the link between climatic variables and several aspectsof the breeding cycle.

New Publication on avian scavangers and anthropized landscapes!

Gangoso, L., Cortés-Avizanda, A., et al. 2021. Avian scavengers living in anthropized landscapes have shorter telomeres and higher levels of glucocorticoid hormones. Science of the Total Environment.146920, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146920  

Abstract:  Habitat anthropization is a powerful stressor affecting the health and fitness of organisms, ultimately impacting their population dynamics. In vertebrates, stressful living conditions are usually associated with elevated glucocorticoids-based responses (GCs) as well as shorter telomeres, which are in turn associated with decreased overall body condition fitness and life expectancy. However, our understanding of how habitat anthropization per se and population processes synergistically, or independently, may affect GCs and telomere dynamics in natural populations is still very limited. 

Here, we assessed the physiological footprint of habitat anthropization and conspecific density in 65 GPS-tagged Eurasian griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) from two populations of the Iberian Peninsula. We examined how extrinsic (human footprint values and conspecifics density within individual activity areas) and intrinsic (sex and home range size) factors determine GCs deposited in feathers (CORT_f) and telomere length as proxies of overall individual condition and quality. We found strong differences in both physiological markers between populations, with higher CORT_f levels and shorter telomeres in vultures living in the northern, more anthropized area. We also found sex-specific patterns of CORT_f, with females having higher levels than males. In both sexes, telomere length decreased as the density of conspecifics increased. Previous studies in these populations have shown lower survival rates in individuals who exploit more anthropized areas, and here we show a potential physiological causal link. We highlight the existence of complex effects of chronic stress associated both with living in anthropized environments and with population-related processes likely associated to the spatial distribution of resources.

Cover!

The article by Sergio et al. 2021 on Ecological Application (here) made the cover of the last issue. Nice pic.

Well done Fabrizio!

New publication on seabirds and stable isotopes !

Ramírez F, Vicente-Sastre D, Afán I, Igual JM, Oro D, Forero MG (2021) Stable isotopes in seabirds reflect changes in marine productivity patterns. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 662:169-180. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13615

 ABSTRACT: Seabirds have been proposed as suitable candidates for tracking and monitoring changes in marine systems (bioindicators). However, their suitability depends on our ability to link the large degree of environmental variability inherent to marine systems with a few, relevant, and accessible signals (biomarkers) informing on changes in their feeding behavior or reproductive performance. We combined satellite remote-sensing records with stable isotope data (δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C) and breeding parameters (fledging success) spanning several years (2001-2014) to investigate the ecological responses to environmental variability by 2 sympatric seabirds inhabiting the western Mediterranean: Scopoli’s shearwater Calonectris diomedea and Cory’s shearwater C. borealis. 

Both species showed similar annual variations in their stable isotopic composition, likely as a response to the trophic consequences of changes in the magnitude and timing of the annual peak in marine productivity (as proxied by satellite imagery of chlorophyll a concentrations). In contrast, no relevant responses were observed in their breeding performance, suggesting that their life-history strategy has evolved to constancy in breeding success, which diminishes its value as a biomarker of changes in marine productivity patterns. Despite this limitation, combining remote sensing and stable isotopes in seabirds is a reliable and powerful tool for the early detection of fine-scale, climate-driven changes in marine productivity patterns and its cascading effects across communities and trophic levels, especially under the current scenario of ocean warming.