The mission of the Department of
Wetland Ecology is to contribute to the study of wetlands, with special interest
in the species inhabiting them and in their interactions, studying their ecology,
behaviour, population genetics and dynamics, dispersal, and all aspects related
with their conservation and restoration. We aim to carry out top quality basic and
applied research in wetlands, and to promote their conservation, with special reference
to the Doñana wetlands which are some of the most important and best conserved in
Europe. Wetland Ecology includes all subtopics relevant to the ecology of “wetlands”,
as defined in the broad sense used by the Ramsar Convention (essentially all continental
and estuarine waterbodies). The natural wetlands (mainly seasonal marshes and temporary
lagoons) and artificial wetlands (ricefields, salt pans, fish farms) of the Doñana
area in the Guadalquivir delta are of especial importance for our research, although
we are active in wetland research across the Mediterranean region and elsewhere
in the world (e.g. Latin America, Australia). Our particular interests include the
ecology of waterbirds (as defined by the Ramsar Convention), amphibians and aquatic
reptiles and aquatic invertebrates. We also focus on the ecological interactions
between these different groups, as well as on plant-waterbird interactions (including
seed dispersal and herbivory). We are also very active in the study of wetland dynamics
using remote sensing and in wetland restoration. Other priorities for us include
the study of exotic species, emergent diseases, parasites and contaminants in wetland
ecosystems, and the population genetics of aquatic vertebrates and zooplankton.
Lines/Sublines of Research:
Wetland Ecology
Conservation Biology and Global Change &
Biological Invasions
Evolutionary Biology &
Molecular Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics
Department Head:
Jordi Figuerola
Functional groups/Labs:
Aguilar Lab
Bustamante Lab
Diaz-Paniagua Lab
Figuerola Lab
Green Lab Ramo Lab
Grupo Luz Boyero
Rico Lab