Research and activities

Mountain Ecology

Urban Ecology

Effects of vegetation structure and

microclimate on the bird community of the treeline ecotone

Involved people: Susanne Jähnig, Maria Sander, Riccardo Alba, Domenico Rosselli, Dan Chamberlain

The aim is to understand fine-scale factors that dictate alpine bird species distributions in the forest-shrub ecotone, with particular focus on habitat structure and microclimate, and to identify key factors influencing the reproductive success of four common mountain birds (Dunnock Prunella modularis, Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca, Common Linnet Linaria cannabina and Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe). Furthermore, whether broad-scale processes (general impacts of grazing, synchrony between distinct regional populations) show consistent effects across geographically distinct mountain areas was assessed. Data on bird species distributions and nesting success, as well as climate and habitat data (at small and large scales), were collected in Val Troncea Natural Park in the Western Italian Alps.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe project

Involved people: Camille Mermillon, Maria Sander, Susanne Jähnig, Riccardo Alba, Domenico Rosselli, Dan Chamberlain

Our lab has a long-term study system on the Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe, a migratory species that breeds in the alpine grasslands. We are interested in studying the breeding and migration ecology. We collect data on phenology, habitat selection, nesting success, survival rates and migration as well as climate and habitat data (at small and large scales) in Val Troncea Natural Park in the Western Italian Alps. Birds are ringed with colour-rings in order to identify individuals and some of them are fitted with geolocators that record their migration journeys to sub-Saharian Africa back and forth.
We also aim to study its breeding ecology in relation to trophic links, considering both higher (predator) and lower (prey) trophic levels. We use camera traps in order to study nest predation, and metabarcoding on feces to study the diet during the breeding season. At the same time, invertebrate are sampled to assess food availability on the breeding territories.

Interactions between mountain bird communities, snow and climate change

Involved people: Riccardo Alba, Maria Sander, Domenico Rosselli, Dan Chamberlain

We are interested in studying the ecological interactions between mountain bird assemblages and different natural processes and the human footprint over a broad area covering the Western Italian Alps. We carry out point counts and transects not only during the breeding period but also during other periods of the birds' life-cycle, such as the pre- and post-breeding period, with a particular focus on semi-open and open habitat bird species. Most of our studies focus on the elevational gradient and we cover several topics such as the habitat use of mountain birds in natural (i.e. avalanche tracks) or human-made (i.e. ski pistes) habitats. We carried out research about the habitat use of high-elevations by migrants during the autumn period, and we also study the upward altitudinal shift of bird communities in the Alps due to climate change.

Identifying key variables for urban biodiversity

Involved people: Riccardo Alba, Fabio Marcolin, Giacomo Assandri, Dan Chamberlain

We are interested in understanding what are the key variables that affect urban bird diversity. Using point count and habitat data, we want to analyse the effects of land-sharing and land-spring on the urban bird communities in the Italian peninsula, but also to identify which are the 'winners' and the 'losers' along the urban gradient and across seasons.. The next steps will involve surveys on urban parks and natural areas to evaluate differences between urban communities and natural ones and at the same time provide useful suggestions to urban planners on how to make our cities more sustainable and more biodiversity-friendly.

Linking ecological and social value of urban biodiversity

Involved people: Irene Regaiolo, Dan Chamberlain, Enrico Caprio

With this project, we are exploring the relationships between people and nature in cities, aiming to link the ecological and social value of urban animal biodiversity. We are investigating urban green spaces to determine which features of the urban environment are valued by people, but at the same time that benefit biodiversity. In this way, we can identify win-win management and development strategies to enhance green areas in cities fostering environmental justice. In addition, we want to understand how human socioeconomic status and demographics affect urban biodiversity in Italy by testing the Luxury Effect hypothesis and identifying its drivers.

UrBio: a citizen science project

Involved people: Francesca Cochis, Enrico Caprio, Irene Regaiolo, Dan Chamberlain

The UrBio project, funded within the framework of two NextGeneration EU initiatives (NBFC and MUSA projects), stands out as a crucial initiative, aiming to evaluate and monitor urban biodiversity throughout Italy comprehensively. This citizen science endeavour engages naturalists, birdwatchers, and enthusiasts, encouraging their participation in understanding synanthropic species' distribution and population trends documenting observations on 'Ornitho.it' and user-friendly tools like the Naturalist app. Preliminary results from 51 cities include 4,728 observations of 112 species. Comparative analysis of data across cities aims to identify patterns influencing urban ecosystems, guiding effective biodiversity conservation and sustainable urban planning. This collaborative effort bridges academia-public gaps, fostering environmental awareness, and will contribute to the sustainable management of urban ecosystems.

Invasion Ecology - Resilience of European native avifauna to alien bird species

Involved people: Fabio Marcolin, Riccardo Alba, Giacomo Assandri, Dan Chamberlain

Our lab is involved in a collaboration with the University of Porto (Luís Reino, CIBIO-InBio) and Lisboa (Pedro Segurado, Forest Research Centre - CEF) within the PhD project "Resilience of European native avifauna to alien bird species: a multi-scale approach" with the PhD Student Fabio Marcolin. The aims of the project are to understand the ecological impacts of alien bird on native bird species at different spatial scales (Europe and Italian cities) and to identify strategies for problematic alien bird species and ways to manage vulnerable habitats in order to enhance native bird species. The collaboration focuses particularly at the European scale, in order to test the Luxury Effect hypothesis on alien bird invasion in European metropolitan areas.

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