Ambiens’ Post

Dear Network, I am delighted to share with you my Master of Science thesis project, which reflects my passion for marine sciences. 🌊 This work explored the use of baited remote underwater video systems (#BRUV) to study the abundance of benthic species, including some vulnerable ones, in a Marine Protected Area. 🐟 Context and Location This project took place in a region close to my heart, Corsica, within the Natural Marine Park of Cap Corse and the Agriate. 🐟 Objective I assessed the abundance of the common dentex (Dentex dentex), a key apex predator in Mediterranean ecosystems and a vulnerable species according to the IUCN, both inside and outside a no-take zone (NTZ). Additionally, I evaluated the fish assemblages dependent on the same ecosystem, providing insight into the effectiveness of this protected area. 🐟 Methodology Over two months, I designed and deployed a #BRUV system nearly 100 times. This non-invasive and cost-effective method had never been used before specifically to study the common dentex. 🐟 Key Findings - Observed dentex: 37 individuals, with a higher presence outside the NTZ than inside, raising questions about the zone's effectiveness in reducing fishing pressure on this target predator species. - Biodiversity: The NTZ, predominantly composed of Posidonia seagrass meadows, hosts two-thirds of the observed prey and predator species, confirming its critical role in biodiversity preservation. - Behavior: Dentex showed cautious behavior, keeping a distance from the BRUV structures, highlighting the challenges of observing this emblematic species. This project was made possible thanks to Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps funding, supervised by the University of Gibraltar and in collaboration with the Stella Mare Laboratory (CNRS 3514), as part of the "Denti Commun" program. Many thanks to them and also to Fred, a local fisherman who helped me with the deployments from his boat. 👉 Learn more about this project: General context: https://lnkd.in/gzhMfCDj Denti Commun program: https://lnkd.in/eNDAitcs 💬 What do you think about this project or the methodology used? I’m always eager to hear your feedback and have meaningful discussions! This experience has strengthened my desire to continue exploring marine sciences, and I’m excited to discover new opportunities in this field. If you’d like to consult my dissertation, click this link and request access: https://lnkd.in/gz_VYf7T

𝘾𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙! This summer, I achieved a major professional milestone with the publication of my first scientific paper, titled "𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥-𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭: 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐚", in Biological Invasions. This study, developed during my MSc thesis at Institut de Ciències del Mar - CSIC, explored how public interest evolves in response to marine invasive species, using lionfish (𝘗𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴) as a case study. Through an innovative approach, combining Google Trends data with ecological insights, we explored the dynamics of public attention with conservation challenges, offering new perspectives on the interplay between societal awareness and invasive species management. I am incredibly grateful to my supervisors, Dr. Valerio Sbragaglia and Dr. Marta Coll, for their guidance and unwavering support throughout this journey. A heartfelt thanks to the iMares group and ICM-CSIC for the warm welcome, great atmosphere, and engaging discussions that made this journey so enriching. As I prepare to start a new professional adventure on Monday, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate this important milestone and express my gratitude to everyone who has been part of my journey so far. This accomplishment fuels my passion and reminds me why I chose this path in marine conservation. Here’s to many more opportunities to integrate ecological research with social science perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of the connections between people and our oceans 🌊 📈 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://lnkd.in/epdGk2-F #marinebiology #marineconservation #research #invasivespecies #oceanconservation #marinesocialsciences #lionfish #googletrends #digitaldata

We are looking for another student who wants to submit a proposal for one of our "INBO-Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek - Vlaanderen (FWO)"-PhDs. Topic: Population genetic studies to assess the establishment and spread of forest soil fauna, with a particular emphasis on terrestrial isopods and fragmented forests Contact: An Vanden Broeck & Karen Cox Forest soil fauna's critical role in soil processes is increasingly recognized. However, the taxonomy and ecology of many soil fauna taxa, remains poorly understood. Additionally, limited information exists on the colonization patterns, dispersal potential, and invasiveness of native and non-native soil fauna. However, the past years a vast amount of research was done in Belgium and beyond on terrestrial isopods, a key taxa for many ecosystem functions. To the extent that they could be used a an ideal model taxa to study soil fauna. This study uses molecular genetic data to evaluate the current distribution of forest soil fauna, with a particular emphasis on terrestrial isopods. Population genetic analyses will offer insights into the establishment and colonization pathways of these organisms, mainly in old-growth forests. The findings will support species distribution modeling and enhance our understanding of the establishment and spread of important taxa of the forest soil fauna. 📷 Jeroen Mentens, Vildaphoto

🔬 Lab Spotlight: Dingemanse's Lab 🔬 Today, we shine a light on Dingemanse's Lab, part of the Behavioural Ecology group at Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) in Munich, Germany. Under the guidance of Professor Dr. Niels Dingemanse, this lab is at the forefront of exploring the intricate dynamics of animal behavior and its evolutionary significance. 🧬🌍 Led by Professor Dr. Niels Dingemanse, the lab delves into the fascinating world of behavioral ecology, aiming to understand how behavioral variations influence survival and population dynamics in diverse environments. 🌱🐾 🔍 Key Research Highlights: Behavioral Variation: The lab investigates the individual differences in behavior and how these variations impact evolutionary processes and population stability. 📊🌿 Social Behavior and Communication: Dingemanse’s team explores how social interactions shape behavior, with a particular focus on animal communication and cooperation. 🗣️🦜 Ecological Contexts: Research includes examining the influence of ecological factors like resource availability and predation risk on behavioral patterns. 🌾🐍 Methodological Innovations: Using experimental and observational methods, the lab gathers crucial data on animal behavior in natural settings, pushing the boundaries of behavioral research. 🎥🔬 🛠 Advanced Technologies: The lab employs field experiments to observe real-time behavioral responses and uses statistical modeling to analyze complex behavioral data. These innovative approaches are key to their groundbreaking discoveries. 📈🌍 🎯 Collaborations: Working with various institutions and experts, Dingemanse’s Lab strengthens its research through collaborative efforts, contributing significantly to the field of behavioral ecology. 🤝🌍 🍃 Practical Applications: The findings from this lab have far-reaching implications for conservation biology and enhance our understanding of ecosystem dynamics, providing valuable insights for preserving biodiversity. 🌳🦉 For more insights into their pioneering research, visit: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gfGeMp4B ✍🏻 Credits: Content: Md Rashid Alam Video: Smrutimayee Prusty #BehaviouralEcology #AnimalBehavior #ResearchInnovation

🚨 Position alert! Assistant Professor in Biodiversity ☘ 🐛 🦇 🌊 Are you passionate about understanding life’s incredible diversity, from molecules to ecosystems? Stockholm University is making a strategic recruitment effort in Biodiversity/Planetary Biology, with up to three Assistant Professor positions available. Selected candidates will receive a significant startup package as SciLifeLab Fellows. This is a unique opportunity to drive cutting-edge research in biodiversity, leveraging advances in AI, sequencing, imaging, exposomics, and more! Read more about the call and apply ➡ https://lnkd.in/dRwrwy6J 📅 Deadline to submit applications: 20 Jan, 2025 ♻ Repost to spread the word! 🌍 SciLifeLab Planetary Biology Capability 🌍 We aim to connect and empower a multidisciplinary research community to tackle crucial challenges in ecology, conservation, evolution, and biogeochemistry. By leveraging SciLifeLab's comprehensive technology portfolio and resources, we aim to accelerate and support research from ecosystem to planetary scales.  Follow us to stay updated on our latest research and initiatives! #Biodiversity #Sustainability #Research #Ecology #Conservation

I am thrilled to announce that I have recently started my position as a PhD Researcher at Justus Liebig University Giessen. My research will focus on trait-matching of plant-insect interactions in agroecosystems. This study could contribute to informing strategies for improving agroecosystem resilience and biodiversity conservation in managed landscapes. Currently, I am reviewing literature to identify key research questions that will guide my work. I look forward to this next chapter in my professional journey and engaging with colleagues and experts interested in these topics! #PhDResearch #Agroecology #PlantInsectInteractions #Pollination #BiologicalPestControl #JustusLiebigUniversity #Biodiversity

Hello everyone, I am currently completing my PhD in Animal Biology and Physiology at the University of Bejaia, where my research focuses on the diversity and trophic ecology of species in the Cyprinidae family, with particular attention to endemic species such as Tropidophoxinellus callensis. My work also includes phylogenetic studies, which led to the first discovery of a threatened fish species in Algeria and the identification of new sites for the invasive species Pseudorasbora parva. During my internship at the Zoological Institute of the University of Basel, I gained skills in molecular ecology and the phylogeny of freshwater fish, using tools such as DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis to better understand evolutionary relationships and the impact of invasive species on local biodiversity. I am now seeking a postdoctoral opportunity in the following fields: Phylogeny and evolution of fish species (particularly in freshwater systems). Ecology of invasive species and biodiversity management. Conservation of threatened species, especially in aquatic ecosystems. I am passionate about studying the interaction between evolution, ecology, and conservation of freshwater fish, and I am looking to apply my skills in genetic analysis and fieldwork to contribute to innovative research projects. If you know of any postdoctoral opportunities or would like to discuss potential collaborations, feel free to reach out! Thank you in advance for your suggestions and shares! 🙏 #Postdoc #Ecology #BiologyEvolutive #Biodiversity #Conservation #Aquaculture #Phylogenetic #FreshwaterFish #Scientifiqueresearch #Invasivespecies #FreshwaterEcology #PhD

It's time for Reflections: A Year of Breakthroughs and New Beginnings! As I reach the end of my first year in the I4WORLD - Imaging and Characterisation for a Sustainable World PhD program at the University of Oulu, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on this incredible journey and share some highlights with my LinkedIn network. 🌟 Achievements & Milestones: Published my first authored article in Wiley Molecular Ecology >Presented my research on Patterns of speciation in a parapatric pair of Saturnia moths as revealed by target capture https://lnkd.in/drZzYgMP at the Conservation, Ecology, and Systematics of >Lepidoptera in a changing world. 23rd European Congress of >Lepidopterology & 11th Forum Herbulot https://lnkd.in/diAPu8Cr >Gained New knowledge including both field-based and interdisciplinary topics. 🔍 Research Focus: My research is centered on Bio-literacy, which takes into account different areas of biodiversity research and advocates for the adoption of high-throughput genomics to revolutionize biodiversity research, offering standardized and quantifiable methods for species characterization. It has been exhilarating to root deeply into biodiversity research, uncovering new insights and contributing to the body of knowledge in the field of Population Genetics. As I continue my research journey, I look forward to generating even more valuable and impactful results. 💡 Lessons Learned: >The importance of perseverance and resilience. >How to navigate complex research challenges. >The value of collaboration and networking within the academic community. 🙌 Gratitude: I am incredibly grateful to my supervisor Marko Mutanen, for his guidance and support. A big thank you to my peers and colleagues who have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation. 🚀 Looking Ahead: I am particularly focused on exploring questions such as: Are barcodes truly indicative of species boundaries? What happens when barcoding fails? I look forward to diving deep into these questions at the upcoming iBOL Consortium Conference in Belém, Brazil. Additionally, I am keen to explore if Molecular taxonomy is the answer to the species problem. Thank you to everyone who has supported me thus far. Here’s to another year of learning, growth, and discovery! #PhDLife #Research #Academia #FirstYear #Gratitude

2024 Retrospective: A Year of Challenges and Growth As 2024 wraps up, I'm reflecting on the highs and lows, the lessons learned, and the progress made. It’s been a year of challenges, persistence, and some milestones. Some highlights (and lowlights) from this year: 📄 Papers, papers, and more papers. Many papers were submitted to journals. So far, only one has been accepted, some were rejected (and are pending resubmission), and some require major revisions. That’s part of the scientific process… 🎯 Grants and fellowships. I applied for some fellowships this year. My Expression of Interest for the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF) made it to the interview stage (at Lancaster University) - though I didn't go further. But there was a major win: our proposal for a research grant for the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC) was approved! (I’ll share more about its goals, outputs, and impacts in a future post). 🌿 Workshops and collaborations. I was honoured to be part of two workshops in Brazil. The first, in Brasília (online), contributed to a government-requested document supporting the National Plan "Science for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services." The second, in Belém (in person), focused on integrating population genomics and landscape ecology to guide Amazonian conservation planning. This brought together experts in landscape ecology, species conservation, and evolution to train and connect the next generation of researchers and practitioners. Looking back, it’s clear that 2024 was a year of growth. Not every goal was achieved, but every setback was a chance to learn. As I prepare for 2025, I’m looking forward to turning challenges into opportunities and continuing to contribute to the conservation of Amazonian biodiversity. To everyone who’s been part of this journey, thank you for your support, collaboration, and encouragement. Let’s keep pushing forward! #Science #Biodiversity #Amazon #Conservation

We are thrilled to announce a new collaborative project between CoBiG2, from the Centre for Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Changes (CE3C) at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, and both Biodiversity Genomics Europe (BGE) and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB). Together, we will assess the impact of Small-Scale Farming landscapes on the genetic variability and adaptation capacity of three wild bee species in Portugal: Andrena flavipes (Panzer, 1799), Bombus terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758), Lasioglossum malachurum (Kirby, 1802). We will also work closely with landowners to educate about wild bees and pollinators. This innovative research not only advances our scientific understanding on wild bees genetic status, but also enhances the importance of genomics in biodiversity conservation. Special thanks to BGE-ERGA, REA, and all our collaborators for their invaluable support. We look forward to sharing more updates on our progress. #ce3c #ce3cresearch #ULisboa #FCUL #science #research #pollinators #conservation