MARTIM MELO AND RICARDO JORGE LOPES, THE ORNITHOLOGISTS, AT RADIO PROGRAM PONTO DE PARTIDA

The weekly radio series, which highlights Portuguese research on different scientific areas and their applications in daily life, focused on several studies on bird species and conservation projects in an episode titled “Os Observadores de Aves”. The points of view of four different people were explored in light of the same connection point: the love for nature and birds.

In this episode, which was on air on October 11, 2016, two CIBIO-InBIO researchers Martim Melo and Ricardo Jorge Lopes talked about their work and shared their expertise on birds, discussing different concepts on studies of these animals.

Martim Melo dived into his childhood, remembering his father’s influence on his passion for nature and his first contact with bird ringing techniques. The researcher talked about his research interests on bird speciation, the mechanisms that originate new species, explaining several key aspects of the research line he has been developing at the archipelago of S.Tomé. Martim highlighted the unique features of these islands and their richness in endemic species, calling attention towards the need for a better knowledge of the molecular and genetic aspects that shape these populations, in order to preserve more efficiently these exquisite animals.

Ricardo Jorge Lopes explored various aspects of ornithology, namely related to his research findings and the analysis of bird songs, in order to identify different species. Ricardo also talked about some features of birds like the ability to make different songs for warning purposes or for attracting partners during breeding season. Overall, the researcher highlighted the importance of citizen science projects for bird species’ conservation, such as the mapping of observations of different birds across the country.

To know more about this topic, please follow the link below:
“Os Observadores de Aves“ | Antena 1 " Ponto de Partida" | October 11, 2016 (Information available in Portuguese)