UCM Research group Vertebrate Biology and Conservation: Research

En español

Research lines

· Conservation of migratory birds at different spatio-temporal scales

· Effects of habitat fragmentation on the biology of terrestrial vertebrates

· Evolution of bird migration

· Host-parasite evolutionary relationships and disease threats to biodiversity

· Evolution of life-history characteristics of lacertid lizards

· Ecology and conservation of steppe birds

· Occurrence patterns of occasional birds

More information in this page:

Funding bodies supporting our research

Research agreements with companies and administration

Conservation of migratory birds at different spatio-temporal scales

Abundance and distribution of migratory birds are affected by various processes operating at different spatial and temporal scales. Here we try to depict the way these processes affect migratory birds, to delineate management guidelines for their conservation.

Participants: José Luis Tellería, Javier Pérez-Tris, Tomás Santos, Álvaro Ramírez, Iván de la Hera, Aitor Galarza, Roberto Carbonell

Effects of habitat fragmentation on the biology of terrestrial vertebrates

We are interested in basic and applied aspects of habitat fragmentation, which we study in forest ecosystems of central and northern Spain. Our primary goal is identifying the responses of diverse vertebrate models to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as interpreting the causes of such responses. Because habitat fragmentation is a major cause of the biodiversity loss, we also have analysed geographic variation in the effects of habitat fragmentation, trying to delineate applied conclusions applicable for the conservation of vertebrate fauna in fragmented landscapes.

Participants: Tomás Santos, José Luis Tellería, José A. Díaz, Javier Pérez-Tris, Roberto Carbonell

Evolution of bird migration

The evolution of diverse migration strategies involves morphological, physiological and behavioural adaptations. We investigate the ecological and evolutionary consequences of variation in migratory behaviour, integrating field ecology and phylogeography. [Read more]

Participants: Javier Pérez-Tris, José Luis Tellería, Álvaro Ramírez, Iván de la Hera, Roberto Carbonell

Host-parasite evolutionary relationships and disease threats to biodiversity

We use molecular identification of parasites to analyse the conservation implications of cryptic diversity of malaria parasites, with special focus on parasites introduced in remote areas and migratory birds as possible carriers of diseases between geographic areas. [Read more]

Participants: Javier Pérez-Tris, José Luis Tellería, Tomás Santos, Álvaro Ramírez, Iván de la Hera, Rita Ventim

Evolution of life-history characteristics of lacertid lizards

We combine laboratory (captive breeding, paternity assignment based on DNA genotyping) and field studies (reciprocal transplant, individual monitoring) to document the variation of relevant life-history traits (reproductive investment, growth rates, survivorship…) in lacertid populations distributed along environmental gradients, trying to assess whether such variation reflects phenotypic plasticity or genetic (presumably adaptive) differentiation.

Participants: José A. Díaz, Alfredo Salvador, Pablo Iraeta, Camila Monasterio

Ecology and conservation of steppe birds

Steppe birds –larks, sandgrouses, bustards, etc.– are adapted to open habitats. In Spain, these species primarily occur in arable lands, where they reach population sizes that are important within the European context. Steppe birds have a worrying conservation status, showing important declines in numbers that can be generally attributed to agriculture intensification. My contribution to understanding the ecology of steppe birds includes the supervision of PhD theses on the biology of particular species (sandgrouses, stone curlew, Montagu's harrier, red-billed chough and little bustard), as well as participation in long-term monitoring of steppe bird communities in Extremadura (western Spain). The latter project has revealed important annual fluctuations in the population size of several species, which are related to variation in precipitation levels.

Participants: Eduardo de Juana

Occurrence patterns of occasional birds

Occasionally occurring birds, generally known as rare birds, are migratory species that appear sporadically in areas located far away from their main geographical range, often in different continents. Birds occurring in odd areas may be drifted migrants, but there is evidence that such arrivals sometimes represent long-distance dispersal or ongoing changes in distribution areas. The latter processes are important in evolutionary ecology and biogeography, and as such deserve further investigation. However, the relevant observations come at a slow pace, and are also subjected to correct identification of unusual species by local birders. Quality control is guaranteed by rarity committees, which scrutinize the many observations of rare birds they receive and publish accurate observations in annual reports. I have been the secretary of the Spanish Committee of Rare Birds (SEO/BirdLife) since it was founded in 1984, which has crystalized in various annual reports published in the journal Ardeola. Recently, I have summarized the information so far accumulated in a book (Aves raras de España (Lynx, 2006).

Participants: Eduardo de Juana

Funding bodies supporting our research

Ex situ conservation of animal and plant biodiversity at the IEC-Moncloa. Setting an inter-University centre for studies of autochthonous fauna

Funding body: Infraestructuras del Campus de Excelencia Internacional de Moncloa. Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM IN-A14/11).

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid anfd Universidad Politécnica de Madrid.

Applicant: José Luis Tellería Jorge (PI, Leading Group: Vertebrate Biology and Conservation, UCM). Participation of other research groups UCM and UPM.

Duration: 2011-2012. Funding awarded: 121.044 €

Capture of 3D information using terrestrial laser and application to management of natural resources and land use planning

Funding body: Infraestructuras del Campus de Excelencia Internacional de Moncloa. Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM IN-A14/11).

Institutions: Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicant: Susana Martín Fernández (PI, Leading Group: Tecnologías y Métodos para la Gestión Sostenible, UPM). Participation of the Vertebrate Biology and Conservation Group, UCM) and other research groups UPM and UCM.

Duration: 2011-2012. Funding awarded: 80.163 €

Use of an elevational gradient as a mechanism for adaptation to climate change in a migratory bird

Funding body: Universidad Complutense de Madrid - Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid (CCG10-UCM/AMB-4916).

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicant: Óscar Gordo (IP).

Duration: 1 year (2011). Funding awarded: 15.000 €

Origin and maintenance of phenotipic diversity in Iberian populations of the large Psammodromus

Funding body: Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (CGL2010-17928).

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid, CSIC.

Applicants: José A. Díaz (PI), Alfredo Salvador, Pablo Iraeta y Joaquín Verdú.

Duration: 3 years (2011-2013). Funding awarded: 43.560 €

Ecological and evolutionary implications of within-host symbiont coexistence

Funding body: Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (CGL2010-15734/BOS).

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: Javier Pérez-Tris (IP), Laura Benítez, Álvaro Ramírez, Iván de la Hera, Sofía Fernández-González, Antón D. Pérez-Rodríguez.

Duration: 3 years (2011-2013). Funding awarded: 139.150 €

Genetic and environmental control of partial migration in blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla)

Funding body: Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (CGL2009-12397/BOS).

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: Francisco Pulido (PI), Álvaro Ramírez, José Ignacio Aguirre.

Duration: 3 years (2010-2012). Funding awarded: 198.440 €

Impact of lineal infrastructures on three animal models

Funding body: Universidad Complutense de Madrid-BSCH.

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: José Luis Tellería (IP), Eduardo de Juana, Iván de la Hera, José A. Díaz, Pablo Iraeta, Antón D. Pérez-Rodríguez, Javier Pérez-Tris, Francisco Pulido, Tomás Santos.

Duration: 2 years (2009-2010). Funding awarded: 10.250,00 €

Conservation and Development in the Tagant Plateau (Mauritania)

Funding body: Vicerrectorado de Relaciones Institucionales y Ayuda al Desarrollo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Institutions: Departamento de Zoología-UCM, Departamento de Biología Vegetal-UCM, Departamento de Prehistoria-UCM, Gabinete Informático de la Facultad de C. Biológicas-UCM, Cooperación Medica Sahel, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas-CSIC, Tellería & Zueco Arquitectos S.L. y Consejería de Medio Ambiente-Junta de Castilla y León.

Applicants: José Luis Tellería (IP, UCM), Tomás Santos (UCM), Eduardo de Juana (UCM), J.M. Hernández (UCM), M. Costa (UCM), V. Fernández (UCM), E. Montiano (CPS), J. Bartolomé (CMS), N. Henríquez (CMS), E. Moreno (CSIC), F. Sánchez (JCL) y P. Tellería (T&Z).

Duration: 2 years (2008-2009). Funding awarded: 29.000,00 €

Effects of a linear infrastructure on the distribution and genetic structure of a fragmented population of the lizard Psammodromus algirus

Funding body: Programa de Creación y Consolidación de Grupos de Investigación UCM. Comunidad de Madrid (CCG07-UCM/AMB-3010).

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: José Luis Tellería (PI), Eduardo de Juana, Iván de la Hera, José A. Díaz, Pablo Iraeta, Javier Pérez-Tris, Tomás Santos.

Duration: 1 year (2008). Funding awarded: 10.091,25 €

Interaction between food availability and thermic state of the environment: effects on distribution and biology of wintering birds

Funding body: Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (CGL2008-02211/BOS).

Institutions: CSIC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, UAM.

Applicants: Luis Mª. Carrascal (PI), José Luis Tellería, Tomás Santos, Javier Seoane.

Duration: 3 years (2008-2011). Funding awarded: 64.700 €

Adaptation of avian migratory behaviour to climate change

Funding body: Programa Ramón y Cajal. Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (RYC-2007-01861/MEC).

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicant: Francisco Pulido.

Duration: 5 years (2008-2013). Funding awarded: 189.000 €

Geographic variation and population differentation of reproductive traits in lizards of the species complex Psammodromus manuelae - P. jeanneae

Funding body: Plan Nacional de Investigación Científica y Desarrollo Tecnológico. Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (CGL2007-60277/BOS).

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: José A. Díaz (PI), Alfredo Salvador, Camila Monasterio.

Duration: 3 years (2007-2009). Funding awarded: 104.060 €

Biogeography of host-parasite interactions and host population differentiation processes: bird migration, geographic isolation, and evolution of parasite resistance

Funding body: Plan Nacional de Investigación Científica y Desarrollo Tecnológico. Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (CGL2007-62937/BOS).

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: Javier Pérez-Tris (PI), José Luis Tellería, Tomás Santos, Álvaro Ramírez, Iván de la Hera.

Duration: 3 years (2007-2009). Funding awarded: 163.350 €

Understanding the factors that promote the prevalence of infectious diseases in migratory shorebirds

Funding body: Projectos de Investigação Científica e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico. FCT Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior de Portugal (PTDC/BIA-BDE/64063/2006).

Institutions: Universidad de Coimbra (Portugal), Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: Luisa Mendes (PI), Hugo Costa, Fátima Falcão, Isabel Curralo, Maria Núncio, Jaime Ramos, Maria Pereira , Ricardo Pereira, Líbia Marques, Javier Pérez-Tris.

Duration: 3 years (2007-2009). Funding awarded: 143.071 €

Population genetic variability in the lizard Psammodromus algirus in fragmented habitat

Funding body: Programa de Creación y Consolodación de Grupos de Investigación UCM-CM. Comunidad de Madrid (PR45/05-14160).

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: Tomás Santos (PI), José A. Díaz, José Luis Tellería, Javier Pérez-Tris.

Duration: 1 year (2005-2006). Funding awarded: 10.000 €

Host-pathogen evolution and disease threats to biodiversity

Funding body: Programa Ramón y Cajal. Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (RYC-2005-000206/MEC).

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: Javier Pérez-Tris.

Duration: 5 years (2005-2010). Funding awarded: 180.400 €

Ecology and evolution of introduced avian malaria

Funding body: Swedish Royal Physiographic Society.

Institutions: Lund University (Suecia).

Applicants: Javier Pérez-Tris.

Duration: 1 year (2005-2006). Funding awarded: 8.362 €

Geographic, landscape and environmental effects on the distribution of wintering avifauna in northern Spain: implications for conservation

Funding body: Plan Nacional de Investigación Científica y Desarrollo Tecnológico. Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (CGL2004-02744/BOS).

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: José Luis Tellería (PI), Tomás Santos, Aitor Galarza, Roberto Carbonell, Javier Pérez-Tris.

Duration: 3 years (2004-2007). Funding awarded: 67.150 €

Altitudinal variation of reproductive strategies in Psammodromus algirus lizards

Funding body: Plan Nacional de Investigación Científica y Desarrollo Tecnológico. Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (CGL2004-01151/BOS).

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: José A. Díaz (PI), Alfredo Salvador.

Duration: 3 years (2004-2007). Funding awarded: 61.300 €

Differentiation between migratory and sedentary populations

Funding body: Marie Curie Individual Fellowships. Comunidad Europea (HPMF-CT-2002-02096).

Institutions: Lund University (Suecia).

Applicants: Javier Pérez-Tris.

Duration: 2 years (2003-2005). Funding awarded: 150.804 €

Effects of fragmentation and habitat quality on the avifauna of Andean bogs

Funding body: AECI (Programa de Cooperación Científica con Iberoamérica: PR158/01-10066 and PR202/02-11554).

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco (Perú).

Applicants: José Luis Tellería (PI), Tomás Santos, José Luis Venero Gonzáles.

Duration: 2 years (2002-2003). Funding awarded: 12.020,12 €

Effects of fragmentation and habitat quality on body condition of forest vertebrates

Funding body: Plan Nacional de Investigación Científica y Desarrollo Tecnológico. Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología (BOS2000-0556).

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: Tomás Santos (PI), José Luis Tellería, José A. Díaz, Roberto Carbonell.

Duration: 3 years (2000-2003). Funding awarded: 42.477 €

Biology of marginal populations of forest birds

Funding body: Dirección General de Educación Superior e Investigación Científica (PB97-0325). Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia.

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: José Luis Tellería (PI), Javier Pérez-Tris, José A. Díaz, Tomás Santos.

Duration: 2 years (1998-2000). Funding awarded: 30.050 €

Determining minimal areas for forest vertebrates in fragmented habitat

Funding body: ICONA, MAPA (Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación). Convenio de Cooperación ICONA-UCM (nº 5280145).

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: Tomás Santos (PI), José Luis Tellería, José A. Díaz.

Duration: 3 years (1993-1995). Funding awarded: 63.106,27 €

Habitat fragmentation and the biology of forest vertebrates

Funding body: DGICT, Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (PB92-0238).

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: José Luis Tellería (PI), Tomás Santos.

Duration: 3 years (1993-1995). Funding awarded: 54.722,15 €

Distribution and biology of Iberian forest vertebrates

Funding body: CICYT, Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (PB86-0006-C02-00).

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: José Luis Tellería (PI), Francisco Bernis, Tomás Santos.

Duration: 3 years (1988-1990).

Urban and farmland vertebrates in Spanish plateaux

Funding body: CAICYT, Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (1429-82).

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: Francisco Bernis (PI), José Luis Tellería, Manuel Fernández-Cruz, Tomás Santos.

Duration: 3 years (1984-1987). Funding awarded: 84.141,00 €

Migration biology of the Turdini (Aves) in Spain

Funding body: ICONA, MAPA (Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación).

Institutions: SEO (Sociedad Española de Ornitología).

Applicants: Tomás Santos (PI).

Duration: 1 year (1984).

Migration biology of the Anseriformes (Aves) in Spain

Funding body: ICONA, MAPA (Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación).

Institutions: SEO (Sociedad Española de Ornitología).

Applicants: Tomás Santos (PI).

Duration: 1 year (1984).

Field guide to the wintering birds of the Sierra de Madrid mountains

Funding body: Comunidad de Madrid.

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: Tomás Santos (PI), Francisco Suárez, José Luis Tellería.

Duration: 1 year (1979).

Bird migration through the Strait of Gibraltar (postbreeding season)

Funding body: Ayuda-Beca de la Fundación Juan March.

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: Francisco Bernis (PI), Tomás Santos, José Luis Tellería, Eduardo de Juana, Javier A. Alonso, Manuel Fernández-Cruz.

Duration: 2 years (1976-1977).

Contracts with companies or administration

Typification of bird communities in different habitats of the Nature Reserve Hoces del río Riaza (Maderuelo, Montejo de la Vega de la Serrezuela and Valdevacas de Montejo, Segovia)

Funding body: Artículo 83 LOU (UCM-JCyL-SG-35/07)

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: Eduardo de Juana (PI), José Luis Tellería, Tomás Santos, Javier Pérez-Tris.

Duration: 2008-2010. Total cost of the project: 42.226,78 €

Potential impact of avifauna associated to a pond on the new 15L / 33R track at Madrid-Barajas airport

Funding body: Artículo 83 LOU (262-2002)

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: José Luis Tellería (PI), Jesús T. García.

Duration: 2002. Total cost of the project: 15.109,58 €

Compatibility of fauna with the activity of El Castillo gravel mine

Funding body: Artículo 83 LOU (49-2002)

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Applicants: José Luis Tellería (PI), Javier Pérez-Tris, Jesús T. García.

Duration: 2002. Total cost of the project: 3.223 €

Environmental impact of the thermal central Velilla II (Vegetation and fauna)

Funding body: ASINEL.

Institutions: Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.

Applicants: Francisco Suárez (IP), Margarita Costa, Helios Sainz, Tomás Santos.

Duration: 2 years (1980-1981).