Biodeserts

BIODESERTS–Biodiversity of Deserts and Arid Regions

biodeserts.at.biopolis.pt

BIODESERTS is focused on assessing biodiversity patterns and evolutionary processes in deserts and arid regions. The objectives are to: i) advance scientific knowledge on these environments; ii) produce outputs of high scientific standard and guidelines for conservation policies; iii) train human resources in desert evolution and conservation biology; and iv) communicate scientific activities and improve public appreciation on desert biodiversity.

29/07/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our MSc student, Fenja Noller, on successfully defending her Master's thesis!

After months of dedication and hard work, Fenja has reached this important academic milestone by successfully defending her dissertation entitled:

"Desert webs: exploring spider diversity in the northwestern Arabian Peninsula using morphological and genetic approaches"

Completed as part of the Master's Degree in Biodiversity, Genetics and Evolution at the University of Porto, this research was supervised by Duarte Gonçalves and Martina Panisi. It advances our understanding of Saudi Arabia's spider diversity by identifying species new to the country, generating the first DNA barcodes for these taxa, and highlighting the likely presence of cryptic and undescribed species.

We are proud to have been part of this journey and to support the training of the next generation of researchers. We wish Fenja every success in the exciting opportunities that lie ahead!

Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement! 👏

16/07/2026

A look back at BIODESERTS Annual Meeting! 🌍

On 4–5 July, our team came together at the Dunas de São Jacinto Natural Reserve to reflect on the achievements of the past year, share ongoing work, strengthen collaborations, and define our priorities for the year ahead.

These moments are invaluable for exchanging ideas, reinforcing our team spirit, and shaping the future of our research in deserts and arid regions.

A special thank you to Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, I.P. for kindly making the facilities of the Dunas de São Jacinto Natural Reserve available for our meeting. Your support helped make this event possible.

Here's to another year of collaboration, discovery, and impactful science!

08/07/2026

Excited to see the publication of the Atlas of the Lichens of AlUla & Khaybar White Volcano, developed as part of the Inventory of Lichens in AlUla and Khaybar White Volcano Geopark.

Members of the Biodeserts group contributed to this collaborative effort, led by .inbio group at documenting the remarkable lichen diversity of north-western Saudi Arabia.

The Atlas is an illustrated guide designed to help recognise and appreciate the unique lichen diversity of the region, while supporting future research, monitoring, and conservation initiatives.

Download it from our website biodeserts.at.biopolis.pt

Congratulations to everyone involved!

Photos: Sónia Ferreira and Luís Pascoal Silva

03/07/2026

🦅 New publication!

A new study published in the Journal of Raptor Research documents the first confirmed record of sustained scavenging behavior by Verreaux's Eagle (Aquila verreauxii) in the Arabian Peninsula.

Using motion-triggered cameras deployed during a systematic survey of avian scavengers in the AlUla region of northwestern Saudi Arabia, researchers recorded two Verreaux's Eagles repeatedly visiting and feeding on a goat carcass over four consecutive days.

Traditionally regarded as a highly specialized predator of rock hyraxes, these observations suggest that the species may exhibit greater foraging flexibility than previously recognized, particularly in arid environments where prey availability may fluctuate.

The study also highlights the importance of long-term, systematic monitoring for revealing rare ecological behaviours and improving our understanding of species ecology in understudied desert ecosystems.

🌍 Discoveries like this demonstrate how systematic field research continues to uncover new aspects of the ecology of even iconic raptor species, providing valuable knowledge for their conservation.

📄 Read the paper: https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-raptor-research/volume-60/issue-3/jrr26003/Scavenging-Behavior-of-Verreauxs-Eagle-Aquila-verreauxii-in-Saudi-Arabia/10.3356/jrr26003.full

05/06/2026

A new breeding population of the Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor) has been discovered in the AlUla region of northwestern Saudi Arabia.
This study documents at least 38 breeding pairs nesting within AlUla's protected areas, significantly expanding our understanding of the species' distribution and ecology.
This globally Vulnerable species is traditionally associated with coastal habitats, making its successful breeding in inland desert environments particularly noteworthy. The discovery highlights the species' adaptability and underscores the important role of AlUla’s protected areas network in safeguarding the biodiversity of the Arabian Desert.
🌍 Every new discovery brings us one step closer to understanding and protecting the natural world.

14/05/2026

Pssst... Have you visited our new website yet? 👀
It brings together decades of research on desert ecosystems!

🔎 Explore:
• Research projects
• Publications
• Education & Training
• Services

Discover more ➡️ biodeserts.at.biopolis.pt

12/05/2026

Tomorrow, two members of our team will be presenting their work at the 28th Conference of the IUCN SSC Crocodile Specialist Group, taking place in Agadir, Morocco 🇲🇦

The conference brings together researchers and conservationists from around the world to discuss crocodilian conservation, biodiversity, and ecosystem management.

Conference sessions will also be available online through the official YouTube channel.

27/04/2026

From 21–23 April 2026, BIODESERTS organized the 2nd edition of the course “Field Expedition Fundamentals, including First Aid Certification.”

This edition counted on the collaboration of members of BIOPOLIS, first aid instructors from First Aid Education Ltd, and expedition & wilderness medicine physician Claudio Quintaneiro.

Organized by Duarte Gonçalves and Bárbara Santos.

Missed this edition? Stay tuned for the next one in 2027.

25/04/2026

🧬 On DNA Day, we celebrate the molecule that stores the genetic information of all known living organisms.

DNA is central to understanding biodiversity, evolution, and adaptation. Through genetic analyses, researchers can assess population structure, measure genetic diversity, identify species, and detect how organisms respond to environmental pressures.

In arid and desert ecosystems, these tools are especially valuable for studying species adaptations to heat, drought, salinity, and highly variable conditions.

Genetic approaches help us better understand biodiversity patterns and support evidence-based conservation in drylands.

Because conserving biodiversity also means conserving genetic diversity.

23/04/2026

Look closely… the smallest creatures often tell the biggest stories. 🔍🐜🦂

These photos from our expedition to Mauritania reveal a world that is easy to overlook, yet essential for life to thrive.

Invertebrates play vital roles in ecosystems! They pollinate plants, recycle organic matter, enrich soils, and support entire food webs. Even in desert environments, they are key to maintaining ecological balance.

Often forgotten, frequently unnoticed...but absolutely indispensable.

Endereço

Vairão
4485-661

Telefone

351-252660416

Website

http://biodeserts.cibio.up.pt/

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