João Carvalho, researcher at CESAM/DBIO, featured in the latest episode of the “Science Cast” podcast
In this episode, João Carvalho discusses his academic journey and the core themes of his research, which include landscape ecology, population dynamics of wild species, and biodiversity conservation. One of the highlights of the conversation is the Iberian ibex, an iconic species of the Iberian fauna.
Once extinct in Portuguese territory, the Iberian ibex has been the focus of reintroduction and monitoring efforts in mountainous regions such as the Peneda-Gerês National Park. João Carvalho explains how his team uses advanced ecological modelling techniques and geographic information systems (GIS) to study movement patterns of this and other species, and how these are linked to habitat use. These data are crucial for understanding the viability of reintroduced populations and for planning adaptive management strategies.
During the podcast, the researcher also highlighted the importance of citizen science, encouraging the public to participate in monitoring projects.
This episode of “Science Cast” offers a clear and engaging perspective on the challenges of wildlife conservation in Portugal and underscores the vital role of science in protecting natural ecosystems.
Watch the full interview [here].