Context and Overall Objectives
Islands are hotspots of biodiversity, hosting species found nowhere else on Earth. However, they are also uniquely vulnerable to extinction, often due to human activity, habitat changes, and natural environmental shifts. The BioXtinct project focuses on the extinction dynamics of small mammal species on Mediterranean islands, particularly Corsica and Sardinia. These ecosystems present a unique opportunity to study how isolation, climate, and human interaction contribute to species vulnerability and resilience. By examining species such as Prolagus sardus Rhagamys orthodon and Microtus henseli, BioXtinct seeks to uncover how these mammals adapted to island environments and what factors ultimately led to their disappearance.
The project's main objective is to analyze how environmental changes and human activities influenced the evolutionary pathways of these species. Using methods such as geometric morphometrics, dental microwear analysis, and radiocarbon dating, BioXtinct investigates the factors driving extinction. The findings will help understand historical biodiversity patterns and contribute to more effective conservation efforts on islands.
Pathway to Impact
BioXtinct’s results aim to advance scientific knowledge on extinction processes and inform conservation policies, with broader implications for managing biodiversity in isolated and vulnerable ecosystems. By identifying historical and current drivers of extinction, the project can provide insights that help conservationists develop better strategies to protect biodiversity on islands and beyond. These outcomes are aligned with European Union priorities, including the European Green Deal and the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, supporting policies to prevent biodiversity loss and promote sustainable ecosystems.
Expected Impact
The anticipated results of BioXtinct extend beyond the scientific community. The project aims to provide data and analysis that will help policymakers create robust frameworks for biodiversity preservation on islands. Additionally, the project contributes to the fields of bioarchaeology, paleoecology, and conservation biology, offering a model for future studies on island ecosystems. By the end of the project, a series of publications, open-access data sets, and public engagement activities will be made available, ensuring that BioXtinct’s insights are widely shared and accessible to both academic and public audiences.
Communication and Public Engagement
BioXtinct is committed to engaging with a diverse audience, including researchers, conservation organizations, policymakers, and the general public. Public engagement strategies include a project website, social media updates, and outreach activities such as public talks and educational materials. These efforts aim to raise awareness of biodiversity loss, highlight the importance of protecting unique island ecosystems, and underscore the relevance of scientific research in informing environmental policy.
