A carregar...
Projeto de investigação
Sem título
Financiador
Autores
Publicações
Using individual-based demographic modelling to estimate the impacts of anthropogenic mortality on territorial predators
Publication . Marques, Ana Teresa; Crispim-Mendes, Tiago; Palma, Luís; Pita, Ricardo; Moreira, Francisco; Beja, Pedro
Wildlife anthropogenic mortality is increasing worldwide, yet there is limited understanding regarding its
population-level impacts. Territorial species stand out in this context, as they possess distinctive characteristics
that are often overlooked but may significantly affect their vulnerability. In particular, population impacts may
depend on the level and spatial distribution of additional mortality risk across territories, and on the extent to
which exposure to increased mortality varies across life stages (i.e., territorial and non-territorial individuals). In
this study, we developed an Individual-Based Model (IBM) to explore these issues, using the Bonelli’s eagle
(Aquila fasciata) and electrocution in powerline pylons as a model system. We used declines in annual population
growth rates as a proxy for negative impacts, and conducted simulations to estimate the relative impacts of
different levels of mortality risk, the spatial pattern of such risks, and the risk exposure of different life stages.
Population-level impacts greatly increased with the mortality risks simulated, and they were lower when
exposure to mortality risks was concentrated versus spread across territories. Impacts were highest when both
territorial and non-territorial individuals were exposed to anthropogenic mortality risks, and they were higher
when such exposure only affected non-territorial versus territorial individuals. Our results underscore that each
breeding territory should be considered as a unit, where all existing pylons should be intervened whenever
mitigation actions are put in place. Results also highlight the importance of considering both the territorial and
non-territorial fractions of the population to prevent and mitigate the impacts of increased mortality. More
generally, our study illustrates the value of IBM frameworks such as ours to explore population-level impacts
resulting from anthropogenic mortality in territorial species, and to inform the development of conservation
strategies to mitigate such impacts.
Antimicrobial resistance phylodynamics and source attribution under a One Health framework
Publication . Ramos, Beatriz; Cunha, Mónica Vieira; Rosalino, Luís Miguel do Carmo
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant public health threat and has recently been recognized as a One Health issue, reflecting the interconnected nature of human, animal, and environmental health. This thesis aimed to increase knowledge on the burden, drivers and transmission dynamics of AMR at the human-animal-environment interfaces, for which Staphylococcus aureus, wild ungulates and genomics were central.
Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) of urban and hospital sewersheds by shotgun metagenomics depicted microbiota signatures of public health importance, while showing that the urban resistome is not restricted to clinically relevant pathogens, being strongly related with the most consumed antimicrobials in Europe.
Through molecular, phenotypic and ecological modelling analyses, we show that AMR in commensal Staphylococcus aureus strains from wild ungulates in Portugal is driven by agricultural land cover and livestock farming. We then generate and explore a large dataset of S. aureus draft genomes from wild ungulates to address with high resolution the hypotheses that wildlife colonization and AMR occurrence are related with human activities and that host adaptation is accompanied by genome diversification with phenotypic impacts. For source attribution purposes, we dissect host-informative mobile genetic elements (MGE) and, in parallel, perform ancestral host state reconstruction via phylodynamics. Based on cgMLST, we demonstrate high genomic similarity of S. aureus at the animal-human interface, with MGE biomarkers for host adaptation further supporting epidemiological connections. Phylodynamic inferences on relevant molecular types across Iberia indicate that several clonal lineages were widespread among humans before jumping to new hosts, highlighting recent spillover events from livestock to wildlife. Pangenome analyses retrieved S. aureus antimicrobial and heavy metals resistance determinants in the accessory genome.
This thesis provides new insights on AMR transmission across interfaces, encouraging environmental and animal surveillance to help curb AMR, and confirms that genomic data-driven approaches are powerful to track AMR trends and drivers.
Marine microbial community taxonomic and functional indicators to volcanic and anthropogenic stressors in Deception Island, Antarctica
Publication . Duarte, Bernardo; Cruz-Silva, Ana; Feijão, Eduardo; Pereira, Marcelo; Nunes, Mónica; Figueiredo, Andreia; Matos, Ana Rita; Dias, Ricardo; Fonseca, Vanessa; Gameiro, Carla; Cabrita, Maria Teresa
In recent years, the growth in Antarctic tourism has stimulated research on the anthropogenic impacts on the region, boosted by advances in OMIC technologies applied to polar microbial communities. This study aimed to assess the human impacts on marine prokaryotic and viral communities of Deception Island by identifying potential taxonomic, functional, and resistome indicators of both anthropogenic and natural/volcanic pressures. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria were the dominant phyla, with notable variations attributed to volcanic activity and anthropogenic pressure. The abundance of Euryarchaeota in regions with increased volcanic activity underlines their adaptability to extreme conditions. Their mercury resistance coupled with their ability to cope with toxic heavy metals is a critical component in managing volcanic mercury concentrations. Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Planctomycetes, and Synergistetes showed distinctive abundance patterns with potential ecological implications related to volcanic environments. Functional analyses revealed the enrichment of functions associated with metal-based, hydrocarbon degradation, and nitrogen metabolism. Submarine volcanic vents contributed significantly to the shape of functional diversity. Identification of specific functions related to nosocomial infections and gastroenteritis highlights the impact of anthropogenic activities on functional traits. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) showed nuanced patterns influenced by both anthropogenic pressure and volcanic activity. Actinobacteria were correlated with increased ARG abundance, which was enhanced by wastewater disposal. Remarkably, Fumarole Bay showed an increased prevalence of certain ARGs, despite a lower anthropogenic impact, suggesting a unique selective pressure induced by volcanic activity. The responsiveness of these indicators to varying levels of pressure characterizes them as valuable tools for assessing and mitigating anthropogenic impacts on the marine waters of Deception Island.
Shifts in grasses diversity patterns between two contrasting 40-year climate periods in tropical dry islands
Publication . Duarte, Maria Cristina; Rocha, Vanézia; Fernández-Palacios, José María; Gomes, Isildo; Neto, Carlos; Costa, José C.; Branquinho, Cristina; Romeiras, Maria M.
Grasses are one of the most successful and dispersed plant families worldwide
and their environmental and economic values are widely acknowledged. They
dominate the landscape of Cabo Verde, the southernmost and driest archipel-
ago of Macaronesia, and are relevant natural resources for local populations,
but a comprehensive evaluation of their distribution patterns is still lacking. In
this study, we aim to evaluate the potential effects of climate change using the
long-term data concerning grass distribution in Cabo Verde and the widely
recognized climatic variability of this archipelago, which entails a huge irregu-
larity in spatial and temporal rainfall. We identified two contrasting climatic
periods (wet, from 1929 to 1968, and dry, from 1969 to 2007) and gathered all
the information available from the bibliography, herbaria, and fieldwork
concerning spontaneous grass species recorded in Cabo Verde during those
two periods, which amounted to 107 taxa. This information was then used to
disclose the patterns of grass diversity as related to climatic and topographic
variables (altitude and windward vs. leeward aspects). Different altitudinal
shifts in the distribution patterns of grass species assemblages and an assem-
blage specific to the wet period were revealed by comparing the two climatic
periods. The role of exposure in delimiting the altitudinal distribution of the
various assemblages was highlighted; the trade winds clearly determine the
distribution of grass assemblages. We detected shifts in the distribution of grass
assemblages according to the climatic periods (related to the macroclimate)
and local topographic factors (associated with mesoclimates). Also, functional
traits (i.e., annuals vs. perennials, C3 vs. C4 grasses, and tropical vs. temperate
species) were found to vary between wet and dry periods, as well as with alti-
tude and with slope aspect. Understanding species distributions and the role of
the climatic variability of Cabo Verde is crucial to predicting how climate
change will affect them and thus to support effective management and conser-
vation actions.
Unidades organizacionais
Descrição
Palavras-chave
Contribuidores
Financiadores
Entidade financiadora
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Programa de financiamento
Concurso para Atribuição do Estatuto e Financiamento de Laboratórios Associados (LA)
Número da atribuição
LA/P/0121/2020