Publications
Diversity of the Genus Xylaria in European Atlantic Lauroid Forest: New Records and Description of Eight New Species
A recent study reveals that European Atlantic laurel forests, including both insular and continental regions, harbor significantly higher diversity of the fungal genus Xylaria (Xylariaceae) than previously recognized. By analyzing over 80 collections from Madeira, the Azores, the Canary Islands, and mainland Iberia, researchers identified at least 13 species, eight of which are newly described. The study employed an integrative approach combining morphological observations with multilocus phylogenetic analyses using ITS, LSU, RPB2, and TUB2 loci to resolve species boundaries, particularly in morphologically cryptic lineages. This research underscores the importance of these ecosystems as reservoirs of fungal diversity and evolutionary novelty, contributing to our understanding of Xylaria's global distribution and biodiversity.
Perceções sobre Biodiversidade e Conservação da Floresta Laurissilva da Ilha da Madeira: Culturas Locais e Implicações para a Educação Ambiental
Local communities in Madeira Island exhibit a strong positive relationship with the Laurisilva Forest, rooted in traditional knowledge and intergenerational practices. This study reveals that while there is widespread appreciation for biodiversity conservation, conflicts arise between preservation efforts and socioeconomic development needs. Through semi-structured interviews and content analysis, researchers identified key cultural perceptions and concerns, underscoring the importance of community involvement in crafting contextually relevant conservation strategies. The findings highlight the need to balance ecological protection with local economic interests, offering insights that could enhance environmental education and management practices.
Vulnerabilidad de las laurisilvas macaronésicas ante el cambio global: un análisis anatómico, dendrocronológico y de la dinámica forestal.
Macaronesian cloud forests, unique to the Azores, Madeira, and Canary Islands, face heightened vulnerability due to their limited distribution and dependence on trade wind-driven cloud belts. This study reveals that these ecosystems exhibit distinct anatomical traits linked to xylem hydraulic function and regeneration strategies, with tree-ring analysis showing sensitivity to climate variability, particularly drought. Forest dynamics in preserved areas are also influenced by land-use changes and windstorms. The research combines anatomical, dendrochronological, and forest dynamics studies across 19 tree species to assess their resilience to global change drivers, providing critical insights for conservation strategies.
Mycena laurivora sp. nov., a new white species in M. sect. Polyadelphia
A new fungal species, Mycena laurivora, has been identified in the Laurisilva of Madeira and São Miguel Islands, distinguished by its white coloration and exclusive habitat on fallen leaves of Laurus spp. near watercourses or under cultivated laurels. This discovery was made through a combination of morphological (macro- and microscopic) and molecular analyses, setting it apart from other species in the Mycena sect. Polyadelphia. The study highlights the ecological specificity of M. laurivora, which thrives in the Mesomediterranean and Coline belts, contributing to the understanding of fungal biodiversity in these unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Species-specific responses to land-use change in island insectivorous bats
Island insectivorous bats exhibit species-specific and scale-dependent responses to human-induced land-use changes, with activity patterns varying significantly across different habitats. A large-scale bioacoustic survey on Madeira revealed that Pipistrellus maderensis thrives in shrublands, croplands, and Laurisilva (primary forest), while Nyctalus leisleri verrucosus and Plecotus austriacus show negative associations with these land-use types. Additionally, altitude negatively influenced the activity of N. leisleri verrucosus and P. austriacus. This study highlights the potential of low-cost autonomous sensors for island-wide bat surveys and underscores the importance of habitat-specific conservation strategies to mitigate threats posed by anthropogenic pressures.
Island tourism carrying capacity in the UNESCO Site Laurisilva of Madeira
Tourism carrying capacity (TCC) in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Laurisilva of Madeira is significantly below theoretical limits, yet trail access remains unrestricted despite concerns for natural resource management. This finding stems from a study that assessed TCC on two popular Rabaçal trails using a formulation integrating physical aspects and environmental correction factors. Despite UNESCO's recommendations for managing tourism impacts, the local population's perception of overuse suggests a critical gap between theoretical capacity and actual management practices.
Social Carrying Capacity in Island Destinations: Interpreting Visitors’ Opinions in Madeira Island
Visitors to the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva of Madeira exhibit only slight satisfaction with social carrying capacity, despite registering an average satisfaction level of 71%. The study identifies five key dimensions—cleanliness and natural conditions, trail amenities, trail conditions, environmental conditions, and pollution levels—as critical factors influencing visitor enjoyment. Nonparametric tests revealed statistically significant differences in satisfaction based on respondents' education levels, underscoring the importance of these social values for effective site management. This approach complements traditional physical thresholds by providing actionable insights for planning and managing island destinations.
Spatial distribution of Madeira Island Laurisilva endemic spiders (Arachnida: Araneae)
A recent biodiversity survey on Madeira Island's native Laurisilva forest revealed a significant spider diversity, with approximately 33.3% of the recorded species being Madeiran endemics. This study identified two new spider species to science—Ceratinopsis n. sp. and Theridion n. sp.—and documented the first records for Poeciloneta variegata and Tetragnatha intermedia on the island, which had not been previously reported. The research utilized standardized samples from various Laurisilva patches across Madeira, providing insights into species richness and abundance patterns. Distribution maps for endemic species were also generated, contributing to a better understanding of spider diversity in this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Spatial Factors Play a Major Role as Determinants of Endemic Ground Beetle Beta Diversity of Madeira Island Laurisilva
Spatial factors significantly influence the beta diversity of endemic ground beetles in Madeira Island's Laurisilva, a relict forest. The study found that 31.9% of species turnover and 40.7% of species richness variation could be explained by environmental and spatial variables. Climate, disturbance, soil organic matter content, altitude, and slope were key determinants, with spatial variables indicating the importance of dispersal ability and the island's complex orography. The research used a spatially explicit analysis to evaluate the contribution of pure environmental, pure spatial, and environmentally structured effects on beetle species richness and composition.
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