Physiological and Behavioral Responses of Amphibians to Thermal and Salinity Stress

Obiettivo

Climate change and human-driven habitat alteration are critical threats to global biodiversity, with amphibians among the most vulnerable groups due to their permeable skin, complex life cycles, and reliance on aquatic habitats. Rising temperatures and salinization, two intensifying global stressors, often occur together in freshwater ecosystems, yet their combined effects remain poorly understood. Addressing this knowledge gap is essential for predicting species persistence and designing effective conservation strategies.

The AMPHIRESPOND project aims to unravel how amphibians use behavioral and physiological plasticity to cope with these simultaneous stressors. Building on my expertise in conservation ecophysiology and eco-evolutionary responses, the project will integrate fine-scale field surveys of microhabitat selection with controlled laboratory experiments testing tolerance thresholds and behavioral regulation, allowing to identify mechanisms that enable resilience under unstable environments. The fellowship will generate innovative insights into the eco-physiological strategies that underpin species’ responses to global change, with direct applications for conservation and policy.

The project will be implemented at the Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC, Spain), a world-leading center for ecological and evolutionary research, providing cutting-edge facilities, long-term monitoring programs, and access to diverse natural ponds. Training will include advanced laboratory methods, project management, open science, and science communication. Close supervision and collaborations with international experts will further broaden my scientific and transferable skills. As the fellow, it represents a decisive step towards scientific independence, enabling me to consolidate an interdisciplinary research profile, expand my international network, and develop the leadership and communication skills required to secure a permanent academic position in Europe.