Research

I am a marine biologist fascinated about the processes promoting (and disrupting) biodiversity in the ocean!

My main research interests are in evolution, ecology and conservation of seabirds and shorebirds. Given the challenges to understand these groups, I like to combine data from different research tools and perform interdisciplinary analyses.

Evolution: Seabirds are excellent models to understand how the seascape/landscape can influence population structure in marine organisms. In this context, I have been using population genetic tools to identify connectivity between seabirds breeding in Brazilian tropical islands which are influenced by distinct oceanographic conditions, such as Abrolhos, Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, São Pedro e São Paulo, Trindade, Cagarras, Moleques do Sul, etc.

Ecology: I strongly believe in specialization to obtain resources around the colonies (local adaptation) as a driver of population differentiation in seabirds. I have been using bio-logging devices such as GPS, geolocators, accelerometers, and time-depth recorders to obtain data on at sea distribution and behavior during foraging trips, and then test the influence of oceanographic covariates on feeding strategies. In addition, trophic interactions have been studied with conventional methods such as analysis of regurgitate materials, but also with stable isotope analysis. More recently, the same tools are being used to test niche partitioning among shorebirds wintering in wetlands in the south of Brazil.

Conservation: Seabirds are the most threatened group among Class Aves and I am putting a lot of energy to help in reversing this picture. Remote tracking during the breeding period of tropicbirds and boobies are being carried out to test effectiveness of Brazilian marine protected areas. Artificial nests are being installed in Trindade to save frigatebirds from extinction. I am directly collaborating in the impact assessment of the Samarco dam collapse on seabirds breeding in Abrolhos. Mark-recapture of american oystercathers is being used to enhance protection of sandy beaches around the REVIS Ilha dos Lobos (Torres-RS). Beach surveys are being regularly carried out to assess the impact of urbanization on resident and migratory shorebirds in the south of Brazil.