Research
I am a conservation biologist who enjoys investigating why and how birds select their habitats. I am particularly interested in finding and understanding which key environmental processes could be enhanced or modified to reverse bird populations that are currently in decline.
I completed my PhD degree through Wageningen University, where I studied the breeding habitat requirements of the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa l. limosa) through a cross-continental analysis, requiring the sampling of widely varying habitats (e.g. bogs, fens, semi-natural meadows, intensive monocultures). Furthermore, in a previous postdoctoral position, I have focused on the relationships between the migratory behaviour and the breeding productivity of two partially migratory species, the Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) and the closely related Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis), across the European and Southern American continents, respectively. Over these experiences, I base my research projects on two core principles: first, the ecological preferences of any species can only be unravelled and understood by widening the sampling areas and populations, contrary to restricting it to the locations where the species is most commonly found; and secondly that the best research questions (and sometimes answers) arise on the field when experiencing wildlife directly.
My current research projects at Bern University will focus on investigating the relationships between bird breeding success and habitat use with anthropogenic disturbances. I am interested in understanding to what extent certain human activities, such as recreational activities (e.g. wildlife photography, outdoor sports), might impact vulnerable bird populations in Switzerland. This work will involve several bird taxa, such as the Hoopoe, Wryneck, Rock Partridge, Alpine Rock Ptarmigan, Peregrine Falcon or Eagle Owl.
