Gema Trigos-Peral (dr. hab.)

 About me

I am a researcher with a deep passion for ants. These remarkable arthropods are exceptional study organisms, allowing us to address a wide range of ecological questions. Over the years, I have used ants as model organisms to investigate community ecology, interspecific interactions, biological invasions, behavioural ecology, and - more recently - nutritional ecology.

My primary interest lies in research that contributes to ecosystem conservation. For this reason, urban ecology has become a central focus of my work. Although cities exert substantial pressure on biodiversity, the impact of urbanization remains surprisingly understudied when it comes to ants - despite their key role in ecosystems. My research aims to better understand the mechanisms driving biodiversity decline in urban environments, as well as the adaptations that enable certain species to persist and even thrive. These include landscape transformation, the urban heat island effect, light pollution, biological invasions, and shifts in resource availability.

Behavioural and forest ecology have also been an important part of my research career. For more than a decade, I have led and participated in behavioural studies examining individual and colony-level traits, as well as competitive interactions between native and invasive ant colonies. In parallel, I have enjoyed studying the ecology of Red Wood Ants, focusing on the environmental factors shaping their populations and their role within forest ecosystems.

Collaborating with researchers from different countries and institutions has allowed me to explore a diverse range of topics, including host–parasite relationships, the impact of entomoparasitic fungi on ants, nutritional and chemical ecology, genetics, and vibroacoustics. I was introduced to ant taxonomy by my PhD supervisor, and it has since become a genuine passion. I particularly enjoy identifying European ant species, as well as specimens collected during my travels to Asia, Africa, and Brazil. Far from being just a hobby, taxonomic knowledge has played a key role in many of my studies and has opened the door to numerous collaborations.

In general, I am interested in all areas of ecology. Although ants are my favourites, I am also very interested in other animal groups. Applied ecology and conservation catch most of my attention, but I am a curious researcher who is always willing to keep learning about ecosystems. After all, everything is connected! So, if you are interested in my profile, just write to me! I will be very happy to collaborate with you. 

Contact email addresses: getriral@gmail.com or gtrigos@miiz.waw.pl 

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