BASS
Biodiversity Assessment at Small Scales
The BASS project is about ecological research focusing on the dynamics of local-scale variations and how they affect and shape ecological community patterns and interactions. The project is based on the Herdade da Ribeira Abaixo (HRA), encompassing a series of interconnected small research projects, primarily master's thesis initiatives, each delving into specific aspects of the broader theme.
Central to BASS, we contrast areas with high/low Solar Potential Radiation across the HRA landscape (see the map). These areas, distinguished by distinct vegetation profiles, offer a compelling setting to investigate variations in soil microorganisms, lichens, insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. We have a network of fixed sampling points across the HRA, each covering ca. 400 m2, serving as a 'mesocosm' for studying ecosystem dynamics.
The interdisciplinary nature of BASS fosters collaboration between researchers from cE3c, who supervise the diverse master's thesis topics comprising the project. While the initial focus lies on species composition, the trajectory of BASS anticipates evolution towards probing intricate ecological networks in subsequent phases. With an expected commencement in the upcoming spring, BASS promises to catalyze scientific inquiry and drive knowledge generation in the realm of ecological research.
Beyond its scientific merits, BASS offers a multitude of advantages that extend beyond academia. Through education and training initiatives, the project provides fertile ground for undergraduate and master's students to cultivate research acumen and contribute to broader ecological understanding. Additionally, BASS aligns seamlessly with the objectives of HRA, bolstering its reputation as a hub for cutting-edge ecological research and conservation efforts. Furthermore, BASS's integration into the European Long-Term Ecosystem Research Network (eLTER) underscores its significance in facilitating long-term ecological research. By contributing invaluable data to the eLTER database, BASS not only enriches the collective knowledge repository but also paves the way for informed decision-making and sustainable management practices.
Check our dedicated site here and the presenting paper here!
The Herdade da Ribeira Abaixo is a property managed by the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, embedded in High Nature Farmland areas, dominated by the montado system (A). Sampling sites, indicated in orange and blue, represent areas with high and low solar radiation potential, respectively, each with distinct vegetation types and structures (B). The field station (C), located within the property (symbol in A), provides convenient walking-distance access to all sampling sites. Part of: Ascensão F, Cardoso P, Rebelo R, Boieiro M, Nunes A, Chozas S, do Rosário IT, Príncipe A, Máguas C, Branquinho C, Borges PAV (2024) BASS - Biodiversity Assessments at Small Scales. Research Ideas and Outcomes 10: e138341. https://doi.org/10.3897/rio.10.e138341.