Indradatta DeCastro-Arrazola

University of Granada | UGR · Department of Ecology

To set up a solid trait-based functional ecology foundation for a group of ecologically important insects, the dung beetles. We are modeling our efforts after the TRY initiative for plants (Kattge et al. Global Change Biol 2011, 2020), following their path but learning from their experience and the long years in which the discipline of functional ecology has matured. Therefore, we are following three sequential steps: (1) designing an effect–response theoretical framework; (2) compiling a handbook of standardized trait measurements (similar to Moretti et al. Funct Ecol 2017, with whom we share three authors); (3) creating and maintaining an open trait database.

Our global synthesis study aims to analyse whether plant community functional composition responds to one disturbance in similar ways than when the same disturbance is preceded by another, recent disturbance. Our target disturbances are wildfire and logging, whose effects on plant communities may (or not) vary depending on the occurrence of previous fire, windthrow, beetle infestation or no recent disturbance. For this, we are gathering a global dataset of plant communities sampled in the presence and absence of one of our target disturbances. Additionally, one field-based study conducted after the 2017 fire in Doñana Natural Park assesses the regeneration of four key, functionally contrasting species under combinations of fire, herbivory, and simulated climate change. Both the synthesis and the field study are funded by the British Ecological Society.

In recent years, rock climbing has grown tremendously in popularity, placing pressure on cliff ecosystems. Although limited, these ecosystems can support a great diversity of species. However, few studies have assessed the effects of climbing activity on the vegetation of these habitats. Furthermore, the few existing studies were conducted at local scales. For these reasons, we aim here to carry out the first comprehensive study of climbing effects on a large-scale ecosystem: the Mediterranean environment. This is one of the most fragile environments on the planet due to its varied climatic conditions, but at the same time, one of the most biodiverse. Mediterranean environmental conditions can be found in several regions around the world, including the Mediterranean basin, Southwest of Africa, California (USA), central Chile and Southwest Australia. It is therefore possible for us to study the climbing impacts on Mediterranean environments in different locations around the world. This study will allow us to evaluate if there is a common pattern of the climbing effect. Therefore, we expect that our study will unify the systematics to be used in this field, and that this will create a precedent for the management and long-term conservation of these ecosystems.