Gallardo Armas, Belinda

Biography

Currently my research focuses on understanding the spatial distribution of invasive species at different scales with the ultimate goal of developing tools that support prevention, early detection and immediate response to biological invasions, in line with the strategic objectives of Horizon 2020.

Research Interest

1. Climate change will facilitate the emergence of new invasive species and expansion of those already present as climate change intensifies propagule pressure, and prolongs the frequency and duration of climatic events favorable to their establishment and dispersion 2. While climatic conditions condition the establishment and survival of large-scale invasive species. The anthropic influence, closely related to vectors and invasion routes, ultimately determines which regions will eventually be invaded LINE 1. BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS AND CLIMATE CHANGE MDEs (Species Distribution Models) allow us to anticipate changes in the climatically suitable area for an invasive species. This information allows us to anticipate changes in its distribution as a result of progressive global warming. In this way, we can assess the consequences of the expansion of invasive species for the conservation of species protected under the Habitats and Birds Directives within protected spaces integrated in the Natura 2000 network. Field monitoring provides useful information for calibrating and / or validate the results of these models. Experimentation in the laboratory provides complementary information to investigate the potential of species adaptation to climatic conditions that do not yet exist. LINE 2. MAN'S INFLUENCE IN BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS Human activities are the non-climatic factor with the greatest influence on the distribution of invasive species. With the advancement of satellite techniques and the compilation of large georeferenced databases, it has been possible to develop global indicators (such as the Human Influence Index, population density or changes in land uses) with which we can investigate the role of man in the expansion of invasive species. Geographic information systems provide powerful tools for generating new indicators that may be relevant (eg related to freight transport or trade). LINE 3. RISK ANALYSIS There are currently numerous protocols for risk analysis to systematically evaluate the current and potential impacts of both species already present in a territory and those that may pose a threat in the future. This evaluation allows us to prioritize the management of invasive species at different scales (regional, national and European), relevant information to implement the current legislation.