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Dr. Juan B. Gallego-Fernández, Professor in Ecology email: galfer@us.es

Coastal Dune Ecology & Restoration

Research on coastal dune dynamics, ecological restoration, biological invasions, plant–environment interactions and animal–plant interactions across temperate, tropical and arid coastal ecosystems.

I am a coastal ecologist fascinated by how dunes and their biological communities respond to a constantly changing environment. My research has taken me from temperate and tropical coasts to some of the world’s most arid dune systems, exploring the ecological and geomorphological processes that shape these dynamic landscapes.

Working with colleagues across Europe, the Americas, and Australia, I study coastal dune ecology and restoration, plant–environment interactions, biological invasions, dune dynamics, and animal–plant interactions, with particular interest in seed dispersal and the role of key and ecosystem-engineering species in shaping dune communities and landscapes. My goal is to connect fundamental ecological questions with the conservation, management, and restoration of coastal ecosystems in a rapidly changing world.

Word Cloud based on my current publication list

Coastal Dune Ecology & Eco-geomorphology

My research explores how coastal dunes develop and function through the interaction of vegetation, sediments, wind, water and environmental stress. I am particularly interested in the links between plant communities and geomorphological processes, from the establishment of foredunes and nebkhas to long-term vegetation dynamics along environmental gradients. My work spans temperate, tropical and arid coastal systems and addresses plant functional responses, sediment supply, dune formation, biodiversity and the biophysical feedbacks that shape these highly dynamic landscapes.

Coastal Dune Restoration & Management

A major focus of my research is understanding how coastal dunes respond to disturbance and how ecological knowledge can guide their restoration and management. My work examines dune vulnerability, vegetation recovery after storms, tourism and other human pressures, habitat degradation and the ecological processes that determine restoration success. I have also contributed to the development of restoration frameworks, indicators and management tools aimed at increasing the resilience of coastal dune systems under growing environmental and climatic pressures.

Biological Invasions & Species Interactions

I study how species interactions, dispersal and environmental conditions influence the expansion of invasive plants in coastal dunes. Much of this work has focused on Oenothera drummondii, examining its colonization dynamics, reproduction, genetic diversity, physiological responses and effects on native vegetation. I am also interested in animal–plant interactions, particularly seed dispersal by animals and the role of key and ecosystem-engineering species in shaping vegetation patterns, recruitment and dune ecosystem dynamics.

Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología

Facultad de Biología , Universidad de Sevilla

Av. Reina Mercedes 6

41012, Sevilla, Spain

☎️ (+34) 954557069