Biodeserts

BIODESERTS–Biodiversity of Deserts and Arid Regions

http://biodeserts.cibio.up.pt/

BIODESERTS is focused on assessing biodiversity patterns and evolutionary processes in deserts and arid regions. The objectives are to: i) advance scientific knowledge on these environments; ii) produce outputs of high scientific standard and guidelines for conservation policies; iii) train human resources in desert evolution and conservation biology; and iv) communicate scientific activities and improve public appreciation on desert biodiversity.

07/08/2025

🌍✨ The Full Programme Is Out! ✨🌍

We’re thrilled to announce that the complete programme for the 14th TiBE – Trends in Biodiversity and Evolution conference is now available!

🔬 This year’s edition, dedicated to Biodiversity, Evolution, and Conservation in Deserts and Arid Regions, brings together an inspiring lineup of plenary talks, oral and poster presentations, and exciting networking opportunities.

📍 October 9–10, 2025
📌 Vila do Conde, Portugal

Whether you're joining us to present, learn, or connect, the programme reflects the diversity and depth of research being done in some of the world’s most challenging and fascinating ecosystems.

🌐 Learn more at: tibe.biopolis.pt

Get ready to explore, exchange, and engage at TiBE 2025!

24/07/2025

🌋 Harrat Uwayrid Biosphere Reserve, NW Saudi Arabia

Recognized by UNESCO in 2022, this stunning reserve spans over 7,600 km² of volcanic lava fields, sandstone ridges, and rich biodiversity 🌍

“Harrat” refers to ancient lava fields, and here, you can spot dark basalt flows alongside reddish sandstone cliffs, creating a dramatic landscape shaped by time.
These remote wadis and cliffs are vital habitats for endangered species like the Caracal and the Nubian ibex, and an important site for birdwatchers 🐾🦅

This reserve is also part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, promoting conservation and sustainable development in arid regions.

📡 The image overlays Google Satellite web map with Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar data. Providing more detail about the terrain than regular aerial photography, the radar data highlights the complex topographical relief and the dry riverbeds forming dense networks, crucial to support wildlife in these arid landscapes.

BIODESERTS is committed to providing detailed geospatial information on the habitats and landscapes of desert environments to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in these regions.

Image produced by JC Campos

21/07/2025

Our new study reports the first confirmed breeding of the Rufous-capped Lark (Calandrella eremica) in north-western Saudi Arabia, extending the species known breeding range by a remarkable 700 km northwards! 📍🌋

📅 Field observations in 2023–2024 in Khaybar White Volcano Geopark documented males in display flights and juveniles, strong evidence of active breeding far beyond the species’ previously known range.

🧭 Could this be an isolated population or part of a wider, undocumented distribution across Arabia? Further research will tell.

📖 Published in Sandgrouse 47 (2025)

18/07/2025

🐊In collaboration with our local partner IBAP - Instituto da Biodiversidade e das Áreas Protegidas in Guinea-Bissau, we investigated the diversity, distribution, and conservation threats affecting crocodilians in one of the most understudied countries of West Africa.

A major highlight: the rediscovery of the Nile crocodile (𝘊𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘥𝘺𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘯𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴) in the Cacheu region — previously believed extinct in West Africa for over 200 years. Confirmed through field and genetic evidence, this finding points to the urgent need for targeted conservation and deeper research.

We also confirmed that:
• The West African crocodile (𝘊𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘥𝘺𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘶𝘴) is widespread
• The dwarf crocodile (𝘖𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘦𝘮𝘶𝘴 𝘤𝘧. 𝘵𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘴) is mostly found in the south and the Bijagós Archipelago

Unfortunately, these species face serious threats: habitat loss, pollution, and direct killings.

Protecting them depends on more research — and on empowering local communities to uncover and conserve the region’s hidden biodiversity.

Read more in https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-08789-3

📸 Photo 1 courtesy of Luis Palma

16/07/2025

🚨 New Short Note Alert! 🚨
A new species from the 𝘗𝘵𝘺𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘺𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘪 species complex is being described and in this short note, we reveal fascinating insights into its communal nesting behavior in NW Saudi Arabia! 🦎🏜️

Could this be more than just coincidence?
It might be a key survival strategy in arid environments!

📖 Read the full note in Herpetology Notes!
https://www.biotaxa.org/hn/article/view/86405

10/07/2025

Did you know that some rodents can shed their tails to escape predators, just like lizards?

This lesser-known behavior, called false tail autotomy, involves the outer skin of the tail slipping off when the animal is grabbed. We recently observed this phenomenon for the first time in the Black-tailed garden dormouse (𝙀𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙢𝙮𝙨 𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙧𝙪𝙨). Out of just three individuals captured during our study, two showed this fascinating adaptation.

To help others working with these species, we also proposed practical handling guidelines to reduce the risk of triggering tail autotomy in rodents.

Read more in https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/mammalia-2024-0181/html

07/07/2025

BIODESERTS is proud to have collaborated in the Terrestrial Baseline Assessment of the Red Sea Zone, Saudi Arabia. A report identifying Key Biodiversity Areas at the local scale is now available.

https://www.redseaglobal.com/en/responsible-development/terrestrial-baseline-assessment-2025/

03/07/2025

📣 Ultimate Call for Abstracts!
We’ve received several requests to extend the deadline...and we hear you!

Because your work on deserts and arid regions deserves to be shared, the abstract submission deadline is extended to July 15! 🌵📄

Don’t miss this final chance to join us!

https://forms.gle/smicsHDaWh9XCGTE8

01/07/2025

And at last… we’re thrilled to announce Dr. Magdy El-Bana from the Red Sea Zone, Saudi Arabia, as a keynote speaker for !

30/06/2025

We are excited to reveal one more keynote speaker: Mike Letnic from University of New South Wales, Austrália!

.cibio

29/06/2025

🐍 We’re patiently waiting for your abstracts…

🗓 Abstract submission deadline: June 30th
📍 Vila do Conde, Portugal
🔗 Submit now via https://forms.gle/smicsHDaWh9XCGTE8

.cibio

Endereço

Vairão

Telefone

351-252660416

Website

http://biodeserts.cibio.up.pt/

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