Winners and losers from Global Change: consequences for pollination mutualisms

In collaboration with Dr. Lucas Garibaldi, Dr. N. Bartomeus, Lic. Juan Agüero and Lic. Carolina Coulin, we are evaluating the impact of different processes of global change on pollination mutualisms. We use both an observational and an experimental approach to link shifts in the structure and functional diversity of pollinator communities with the reproductive outcome of plant populations. 

Consequences of the Anthropocene defaunation on seed-dispersal mutualisms 
In collaboration with Dr.Alfredo Valido, Dr.Pedro Jordano, and Dra. Cristina García we are assessing how downsizing of seed dispersers impacts demographic and genetic issues of mutualistic plants. Our model species (Neochamaelea pulverulenta) is an endemic shrub from Canary Islands, which is dispersed exclusively by medium- to large-sized lizards (Gallotia spp.). Large-bodied species were widespread in the past, but the arrival of aborigines triggered a dramatic process of lizard extinctions on the three islands were N. pulverulenta is present. The magnitude of the process ranged from subtle in Gran Canaria, noticeably in Tenerife, to very marked in La Gomera, defining a defaunation-driven downsizing gradient. As a result, currently only the large-sized lizard species G.stehlini disperse optimally N. puverulenta seeds in Gran Canaria, medium-sized lizards G.galloti disperse them sub-optimally in Tenerife, whereas the dispersal is absent in La Gomera (dispersers become extinct recently).



By using a comparative perspective, the main objetive of the project is understanding how the downsizing of giant lizards affects demography and genetic of Neochamaelea pulverulenta populations. We are applying an integrated study combining island ecology theory, population genetics and movement ecology under a spatially explicit framework.

Neochamaelea pulverulenta - Photo: A Valido

Gallotia stehlini - Photo: A Valido

Gallotia galloti - Photo: C Camacho