Welcome!Our group is part of the Zoology Department at the Institute of Biosciences (IB), University of São Paulo (USP). The research we carry out is linked to the Graduate Programs in Zoology and Ecology at IB-USP.
Conservation Science is an inter- and transdisciplinary field that involves not only the connection between natural and social sciences, but also the integration between scientific knowledge and the knowledge of diverse actors in society. The research and outreach projects that we carry out encompass a multiplicity of themes and areas in Conservation Science that can be, in large part, grouped into four research lines: |
1. Landscape ecologyBy collecting data across multiple landscapes, we seek to identify how landscape structure affects the distribution of native species, species invasion, ecosystem services and disservices and human-nature relationships.
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2. Human dimensions of conservationIncorporating social psychology tools, we seek to understand — and test strategies to change — the antecedents of human behavior in relation to species and ecosystems.
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3. Science-practice interfaceWe aim at understanding, through literature reviews, interviews with scientists and decision makers and transdisciplinary activities, the challenges to incorporate scientific knowledge into conservation practice and policy, and how can we overcome them.
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4. Analysis of public policy toolsBy organizing and connecting of different perspectives (science fields and/ or actors), we intend to analyze the concepts behind public policy tools, such as environmental impact assessments, and to promote horizontal discussions on the challenges and opportunities to improve public policy processes in Brazil.
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These lines of research are, for the most part, relatively recent in our group, having originated from 15 years of research focused on the study of species diversity and distribution patterns in fragmented landscapes, focusing on mammals and the Atlantic Forest. We are developing these lines through partnerships with collaborators from areas other than biological sciences and / or academia. Our main collaborators are listed in the team page.
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