Mutualistic interactions in island ecosystems
Research Areas
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Effectiveness of mutualistic interactions
With this research line, we aim to use frugivory and seed dispersal interactions to gain a deeper understanding of how birds and reptiles contribute to plant regeneration in our ecosystems, and how plants return this favour to animals by providing nutrients and energy. Furthermore, we seek to understand how habitat loss and fragmentation can affect the effectiveness of these interactions.
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Drivers of fruit-bird interactions
Through this research line, we aim to establish which extrinsic and intrinsic factors of species can determine, and in what way, the trophic resource selection by frugivorous birds. To do this, we use data such as the phenotypic traits of species (both birds and fruits), as well as their abundance in the environment. For the development of this research, scientific bird ringing is fundamental.
Pollination by vertebrates
Although our main focus is on frugivory and seed dispersal, we are also interested in understanding how pollination by birds and reptiles can contribute to the reproductive cycle of island endemics. In this sense, we aim to discover which species interact with the plants but, more specifically, to determine whether they are capable of transporting pollen grains between flowers and their capacity for effective pollination.