I started my research activities during the last year of my degree in Biology, by studying the distribution and abundance of the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Montalegre (Portugal). After finishing my B.C.s (2008), I enrolled in the M.Sc. program hosted by CIBIO/UP, during which I developed a thesis focused on predicted impacts of climate change in 25 Sahelian and Afro-tropical vertebrates in West Africa. This work was the starting point to develop my Ph.D. research, focused in the Sahara-Sahel region. It aimed at addressing biodiversity conservation in arid environments under climate change, by evaluating the performance of ecological niche models to predict the distribution of ecologically plastic species and of range margins populations; evaluating the conservation status of mountain restricted species; identify local hotspots of biodiversity and functional groups vulnerable to future climate change.

I recently finished my PhD, and I am currently collaborating in projects related to biogeography and conservation in the Sahara-Sahel region. My major interests are related with biodiversity conservation in desert environments and assessments of the climate change impacts in deserts’ biodiversity. I am interested in studying the direct impacts of climate change on arid-adapted species and/or functional groups, but particularly in the indirect impacts resulting from humans’ responses to future climate change. My ultimate goal is applying this integrative assessment to design proactive and adaptive conservation plans in deserts.

Useful Links:

Research ID: http://www.researcherid.com/rid/L-7243-2013

ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1764-8607