Teresa Luísa Ferreira da Silva

I am a biologist and my interest research area is Conservation Genetics, particularly Population Genetics and Molecular Evolution. I have more than 15 years of practical experience in molecular biology. Since 2011 I have participated in international multidisciplinary fieldwork expeditions to Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia, always integrated in BIODESERTS activities. 

My PhD focused on contributing for the conservation planning of threatened ungulates, particularly of North African gazelles. This aim was achieved by delineating four main objectives: i) increasing the available molecular methods for genetic identification of endangered North African ungulates without the need of invasive sampling; ii) clarifying the phylogenetic relationships between threatened North African gazelles and identifying potential occurrence areas; iii) understanding relationships between the genetic diversities of 12 African ungulates and their observed range regression patterns and intrinsic and extrinsic factors; and iv) evaluating the genetic structure of an Asian gazelle and the effects of landscape features on gene flow patterns. 

I am also active in scientific outreach, producing materials to help the engagement of the public with biodiversity conservation.