Final Workshop of the FCT Project MACRISK
- February 27th, 2025
- Biodiversity
- Print Article
The MACRISK project (Trait-based prediction of extinction risk and invasiveness for Northern Macaronesian arthropods) is pleased to announce its final workshop, scheduled from March 14–16, 2025, at the University of the Azores (Angra do Heroísmo campus, Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal), with live online participation via Zoom. This workshop will unveil the project’s latest discoveries on how arthropod traits predict abundance trends, extinction risk, and potential invasiveness in the Azores archipelago—and open critical discussions on the future of arthropod and island conservation.
Registration & Contact
- Date: March 14–16, 2025
- Location: University of the Azores, Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal (Hybrid format with Zoom)
- Register
Key Findings
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Endemic Traits Offer Resilience
Recent analyses of two major time series datasets (BALA and SLAM projects) reveal that native Azorean arthropods, particularly species with traits adapted to the Azores’ natural forests, are showing more stable or even increasing abundance trends. These adaptations—ranging from specialized feeding habits to tolerance of microclimatic conditions—appear to confer a protective advantage in their native laurel and other endemic forest habitats. -
Exotic Species Face Colonization Barriers
In contrast, non-native species introduced to the archipelago seem to struggle to invade undisturbed forest patches due to lower adaptability to native vegetation and microhabitat conditions. Although some alien arthropods thrive in disturbed habitats, many encounter ecological and physiological constraints in intact forests, ultimately limiting their spread. -
Implications for Conservation
These findings underscore the importance of preserving natural forest habitats to safeguard endemic species and slow the spread of invasive arthropods. With focused measures—such as habitat restoration, invasive species monitoring, and trait-based prioritization of threatened endemic species—conservation strategies may become more efficient at targeting the most vulnerable taxa while preventing new invasions.
Final Workshop: March 14–16, 2025
Hosted at the University of the Azores (Angra do Heroísmo campus, Terceira Island) and simultaneously streamed via Zoom, the final MACRISK workshop aims to:
- Present Key Results: Gain insights into how trait-based approaches can guide conservation and monitoring of arthropods.
- Foster Discussions: Open the floor to debates on island conservation priorities, management strategies, and the broader implications for other Macaronesian and oceanic archipelagos.
- Encourage Collaboration: Provide networking opportunities for researchers, students, and policy-makers interested in arthropod ecology, island ecosystems, and biodiversity conservation.
Confirmed Invited Speakers
- Prof. Axel Hochkirch (Department of Ecology, Musée national d'histoire naturelle de Luxembourg, Luxembourg)
- Prof. Kostas Triantis (Department of Ecology and Taxonomy, University of Athens, Greece)
- Prof. Michael Samways (Department of Conservation Ecology & Entomology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa)
Why Attend?
- Discover the Latest Scientific Insights: Learn how trait-based research can predict extinction risk and invasiveness, shaping data-driven conservation policies.
- Engage with Experts: Connect with leading scientists working at the intersection of ecology, taxonomy, and conservation in island systems.
- Advance Conservation Strategies: Discuss how to apply workshop findings to regional conservation plans in the Azores—and beyond.
https://macrisk.uac.pt/macrisk-project-workshop-march-14-16-2025/