Luca Santini
@lsantinieco.bsky.social
Associate Prof. in Sapienza University. Interests in Macroecology, Conservation Biogeography, Global Change Biology, Urban Ecology and Animal Ecology. EIC for Diversity & Distributions. www.ecaslab.com
Pinned
Luca Santini
@lsantinieco.bsky.social
· Nov 18
🚨 New release: TetraDENSITY 2.0 database now features 54,300 population density estimates for 3,717 species of tetrapods! 🌍🐸🦎🦉🦧 Now also including marine species 🐋
check it out at doi.org/10.1111/geb....
check it out at doi.org/10.1111/geb....
🐬 New paper out! We use the TetraDENSITY database to test how fishing affects cetacean species in the Mediterranean. We found that different fishing activities alter natural population density patterns, with destructive demersal fishing having the strongest negative impact
👉 doi.org/10.1002/ecog...
👉 doi.org/10.1002/ecog...
November 11, 2025 at 11:28 AM
🐬 New paper out! We use the TetraDENSITY database to test how fishing affects cetacean species in the Mediterranean. We found that different fishing activities alter natural population density patterns, with destructive demersal fishing having the strongest negative impact
👉 doi.org/10.1002/ecog...
👉 doi.org/10.1002/ecog...
Reposted by Luca Santini
Our new paper in Nature uses ecological energetics to track ten ecosystem functions of all birds and mammals in sub-Saharan Africa. It shows that the ecological power of African wildlife has declined by a third since pre-colonial times @natureportfolio.nature.com
🌍 New Oxford-led study in Nature finds Africa’s wildlife has lost a third of its natural “power” — the energy driving ecosystems and livelihoods.
Large animals once sustained this flow; their loss now reshapes life across the continent. @ymalhi.bsky.social
Large animals once sustained this flow; their loss now reshapes life across the continent. @ymalhi.bsky.social
Africa’s wildlife has lost a third of its natural ‘power’, Oxford-led study warns
New paper in Nature today
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk
October 29, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Our new paper in Nature uses ecological energetics to track ten ecosystem functions of all birds and mammals in sub-Saharan Africa. It shows that the ecological power of African wildlife has declined by a third since pre-colonial times @natureportfolio.nature.com
Our new @nature.com shows that energy flows mediated by mammals and birds across sub-Saharan Africa have declined by >30% unevenly across functional groups, with major consequences ecosystem functions
shorturl.at/AD0Yb
shorturl.at/AD0Yb
October 29, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Our new @nature.com shows that energy flows mediated by mammals and birds across sub-Saharan Africa have declined by >30% unevenly across functional groups, with major consequences ecosystem functions
shorturl.at/AD0Yb
shorturl.at/AD0Yb
Here we review causal inference in ecology to attribute change in biodiversity research. We identify common challenges and provide an overview of different approaches. By Franziska Shrodt and many others besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
Advancing causal inference in ecology: Pathways for biodiversity change detection and attribution
Understanding the causes of biodiversity change is essential for addressing environmental challenges. While causal attribution has advanced in other fields, ecologists remain cautious about causal...
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
September 9, 2025 at 7:43 AM
Here we review causal inference in ecology to attribute change in biodiversity research. We identify common challenges and provide an overview of different approaches. By Franziska Shrodt and many others besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Luca Santini
Why relying on the "equlilibrium assumption", i.e., biodiversity being in an equilibrium state w/ its environmental conditions, to model biodiversity trends in response to environmental changes?
➡️ We propose a paradigm shift: embracing the quasi-permanent non-equilibrium state 🤯
shorturl.at/qU99d
➡️ We propose a paradigm shift: embracing the quasi-permanent non-equilibrium state 🤯
shorturl.at/qU99d
August 20, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Why relying on the "equlilibrium assumption", i.e., biodiversity being in an equilibrium state w/ its environmental conditions, to model biodiversity trends in response to environmental changes?
➡️ We propose a paradigm shift: embracing the quasi-permanent non-equilibrium state 🤯
shorturl.at/qU99d
➡️ We propose a paradigm shift: embracing the quasi-permanent non-equilibrium state 🤯
shorturl.at/qU99d
Important paper!
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
Correcting environmental sampling bias improves transferability of species distribution models
Sampling bias is an inherent problem in widely available biodiversity data, undermining the robustness of correlative species distribution models (SDMs). To some extent, subsampling occurrence data c...
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
August 14, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Important paper!
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Luca Santini
Animal energetics, movement, and coexistence are inextricably linked. What insights emerge when we consider these processes together? In our new paper, we present a conceptual framework that integrates these domains, outlines their connections, and highlights the value of their joint study.
August 13, 2025 at 6:41 AM
Animal energetics, movement, and coexistence are inextricably linked. What insights emerge when we consider these processes together? In our new paper, we present a conceptual framework that integrates these domains, outlines their connections, and highlights the value of their joint study.
SDMs are powerful tools, but only if feed them with the right variables (be biologists, not blind programmers!). We show how data dredging approaches relying on the 19 bioclimatic variables can lead to misleading predictions & interpretation. Led by @giordanomancini.bsky.social
shorturl.at/Y2BpC
shorturl.at/Y2BpC
August 12, 2025 at 7:08 PM
SDMs are powerful tools, but only if feed them with the right variables (be biologists, not blind programmers!). We show how data dredging approaches relying on the 19 bioclimatic variables can lead to misleading predictions & interpretation. Led by @giordanomancini.bsky.social
shorturl.at/Y2BpC
shorturl.at/Y2BpC
Reposted by Luca Santini
3-year #Postdoc opportunity at the University of York!
I am #hiring a Postdoc to join my URF project on exploring how #biodiversity change is unfolding in the #Anthropocene.
Deadline: 10th August 2025.
All details and the link to apply: shorturl.at/qOQst
@anthropocenebio.bsky.social #ecology
I am #hiring a Postdoc to join my URF project on exploring how #biodiversity change is unfolding in the #Anthropocene.
Deadline: 10th August 2025.
All details and the link to apply: shorturl.at/qOQst
@anthropocenebio.bsky.social #ecology
Jobs - The University of York
jobs.york.ac.uk
July 4, 2025 at 3:26 PM
3-year #Postdoc opportunity at the University of York!
I am #hiring a Postdoc to join my URF project on exploring how #biodiversity change is unfolding in the #Anthropocene.
Deadline: 10th August 2025.
All details and the link to apply: shorturl.at/qOQst
@anthropocenebio.bsky.social #ecology
I am #hiring a Postdoc to join my URF project on exploring how #biodiversity change is unfolding in the #Anthropocene.
Deadline: 10th August 2025.
All details and the link to apply: shorturl.at/qOQst
@anthropocenebio.bsky.social #ecology
Read our latest paper on the application of macroecological theory to better understand human impact on biodiversity, great collaborative work led by @pierregauz.bsky.social
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
July 21, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Read our latest paper on the application of macroecological theory to better understand human impact on biodiversity, great collaborative work led by @pierregauz.bsky.social
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by Luca Santini
This study was led by Laura Paltinieri, @anabenlop.bsky.social & @lsantinieco.bsky.social as part of the EU COST Action network ClimBats. You can read Laura's blog on this paper here:
besclimatechange.wordpress.com/2025/07/01/h...
🌍🌐🧪
besclimatechange.wordpress.com/2025/07/01/h...
🌍🌐🧪
July 8, 2025 at 8:41 AM
This study was led by Laura Paltinieri, @anabenlop.bsky.social & @lsantinieco.bsky.social as part of the EU COST Action network ClimBats. You can read Laura's blog on this paper here:
besclimatechange.wordpress.com/2025/07/01/h...
🌍🌐🧪
besclimatechange.wordpress.com/2025/07/01/h...
🌍🌐🧪
Reposted by Luca Santini
Please share.
We have a fully-funded PhD position on animal migration. If interested, please apply by 27 July. More about us: shawanchowdhury.com. @idiv-research.bsky.social @monashbiol.bsky.social @uq-cbcs.bsky.social
#PhDposition #Ecology #Conservation #Migration #Rstats #AcademicTwitter
We have a fully-funded PhD position on animal migration. If interested, please apply by 27 July. More about us: shawanchowdhury.com. @idiv-research.bsky.social @monashbiol.bsky.social @uq-cbcs.bsky.social
#PhDposition #Ecology #Conservation #Migration #Rstats #AcademicTwitter
June 25, 2025 at 5:52 AM
Please share.
We have a fully-funded PhD position on animal migration. If interested, please apply by 27 July. More about us: shawanchowdhury.com. @idiv-research.bsky.social @monashbiol.bsky.social @uq-cbcs.bsky.social
#PhDposition #Ecology #Conservation #Migration #Rstats #AcademicTwitter
We have a fully-funded PhD position on animal migration. If interested, please apply by 27 July. More about us: shawanchowdhury.com. @idiv-research.bsky.social @monashbiol.bsky.social @uq-cbcs.bsky.social
#PhDposition #Ecology #Conservation #Migration #Rstats #AcademicTwitter
Presenting my poster on mammalian population density responses to anthropogenic gradients today at 16:30, find me at panel N. 84 #iccb2025.bsky.social
June 17, 2025 at 3:53 AM
Presenting my poster on mammalian population density responses to anthropogenic gradients today at 16:30, find me at panel N. 84 #iccb2025.bsky.social
The first paper of the "Urbis project" focusing on the urban ecosystem of Rome is out in Urban Forestry & Urban Greening!
Here we characterize the urban landscape and propose a multiscale framework to better support urban biodiversity research and planning
doi.org/10.1016/j.la...
Here we characterize the urban landscape and propose a multiscale framework to better support urban biodiversity research and planning
doi.org/10.1016/j.la...
May 21, 2025 at 9:22 AM
The first paper of the "Urbis project" focusing on the urban ecosystem of Rome is out in Urban Forestry & Urban Greening!
Here we characterize the urban landscape and propose a multiscale framework to better support urban biodiversity research and planning
doi.org/10.1016/j.la...
Here we characterize the urban landscape and propose a multiscale framework to better support urban biodiversity research and planning
doi.org/10.1016/j.la...
About to start my course for the Early Career Conference of the Italian Chapter of the SCB
May 5, 2025 at 11:53 AM
About to start my course for the Early Career Conference of the Italian Chapter of the SCB
PhyBaSE: A Bayesian structural equation model approach to causal inference in phylogenetic comparative analyses
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
PhyBaSE: A Bayesian structural equation model approach to causal inference in phylogenetic comparative analyses
One of the main limitations of phylogenetic comparative analyses is that associations between traits can only be interpreted as correlations. Here, we present a novel Bayesian structural equation ...
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
May 4, 2025 at 2:16 PM
PhyBaSE: A Bayesian structural equation model approach to causal inference in phylogenetic comparative analyses
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Geography and availability of natural habitat determine whether cropland intensification or expansion is more detrimental to biodiversity
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Geography and availability of natural habitat determine whether cropland intensification or expansion is more detrimental to biodiversity - Nature Ecology & Evolution
Both agricultural expansion and intensification drive biodiversity losses. Here the authors quantify and compare globally the biodiversity impact of land conversion and yield increases.
www.nature.com
May 4, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Geography and availability of natural habitat determine whether cropland intensification or expansion is more detrimental to biodiversity
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Luca Santini
New paper published in Ecography coming out of the ClimBats COST Action on effects of climate on #bat morphology across space and time. Led by @laura-paltrinieri.bsky.social, @anabenlop.bsky.social and @lsantinieco.bsky.social 🦇🌡️🌧️
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
April 9, 2025 at 8:09 AM
New paper published in Ecography coming out of the ClimBats COST Action on effects of climate on #bat morphology across space and time. Led by @laura-paltrinieri.bsky.social, @anabenlop.bsky.social and @lsantinieco.bsky.social 🦇🌡️🌧️
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Check out our latest paper on climate-driven changes in bat morphology across space and time, see thread by @laura-paltrinieri.bsky.social 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
🎉My first paper is finally out!
We tested Allen’s and Bergmann’s rules on 20 European bat species🦇, exploring how their morphology changes across space and time in response to temperature🌡️ and precipitation🌧️ shifts.
📖Check it out here: nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
We tested Allen’s and Bergmann’s rules on 20 European bat species🦇, exploring how their morphology changes across space and time in response to temperature🌡️ and precipitation🌧️ shifts.
📖Check it out here: nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
The effects of climate on bat morphology across space and time
According to Bergmann's and Allen's rules, climate change may drive morphological shifts in species, affecting body size and appendage length. These rules predict that species in colder climates tend...
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
April 6, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Check out our latest paper on climate-driven changes in bat morphology across space and time, see thread by @laura-paltrinieri.bsky.social 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
Reposted by Luca Santini
I'm thrilled to share our new review paper with the world.
NEW PAPER from the GLiTRS team! 🎉
We review how best to use different types of evidence to better understand global insect declines 🦗🪳🪲🦋🐛🐜
"Integrating multiple evidence streams to understand insect biodiversity change" published in @science.org
🔗 tinyurl.com/mr35bdaa
A summary 🧵 below (1/7)
We review how best to use different types of evidence to better understand global insect declines 🦗🪳🪲🦋🐛🐜
"Integrating multiple evidence streams to understand insect biodiversity change" published in @science.org
🔗 tinyurl.com/mr35bdaa
A summary 🧵 below (1/7)
www.science.org
April 4, 2025 at 2:29 PM
I'm thrilled to share our new review paper with the world.
In this study, featuring a long list of collaborators from the COST Action ClimBAT, we predict that climate change will reshape European bat communities and functional assemblages 🦇🦇🦇 with potential major consequences for ecosystems. @orlyrazgour.bsky.social
shorturl.at/HRMtY
shorturl.at/HRMtY
April 2, 2025 at 10:44 AM
In this study, featuring a long list of collaborators from the COST Action ClimBAT, we predict that climate change will reshape European bat communities and functional assemblages 🦇🦇🦇 with potential major consequences for ecosystems. @orlyrazgour.bsky.social
shorturl.at/HRMtY
shorturl.at/HRMtY
Our paper presenting the predictions of generation length for all amphibians and reptiles is finally published online in Ecography! Great work led by Giordano Mancini. They'll soon be incorporated in the sRedList platform!
Hey our paper is out on @ecography.bsky.social ! We provided new generation length estimates for the world's amphibians and reptiles!
Many thanks to the sRedList WG @m-dimarco.bsky.social @lsantinieco.bsky.social and others!!
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Many thanks to the sRedList WG @m-dimarco.bsky.social @lsantinieco.bsky.social and others!!
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Generation length of the world's amphibians and reptiles
Variation in life histories influences demographic processes, from adaptive changes to population declines leading to extinction. Among life history traits, generation length offers a critical featur...
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
March 19, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Our paper presenting the predictions of generation length for all amphibians and reptiles is finally published online in Ecography! Great work led by Giordano Mancini. They'll soon be incorporated in the sRedList platform!
Reposted by Luca Santini
Personally, I find it odd that some reviewers write essays on how to improve an ms
I feel they misinterpret the role of reviewer - to check the quality of the ms and any errors
Instead approaching the task as if they are being asked to rewrite the ms with their own arguments & style
I feel they misinterpret the role of reviewer - to check the quality of the ms and any errors
Instead approaching the task as if they are being asked to rewrite the ms with their own arguments & style
March 15, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Personally, I find it odd that some reviewers write essays on how to improve an ms
I feel they misinterpret the role of reviewer - to check the quality of the ms and any errors
Instead approaching the task as if they are being asked to rewrite the ms with their own arguments & style
I feel they misinterpret the role of reviewer - to check the quality of the ms and any errors
Instead approaching the task as if they are being asked to rewrite the ms with their own arguments & style
Reposted by Luca Santini
The #biosphere is changing: Check our global mapping of ecological novelty in wild #ecosystems (due to #climatechange, #defaunation & floristic disruption) - just out in @natureecoevo.bsky.social ♨️🐘🌿🌐 Big thx to @mattkerr.bsky.social for the huge effort! #novelecosystems #invasivespecies #megafauna
1/6 Paper Alert📢📢📢
New publication from #ECONOVO on the widespread ecological novelty across the terrestrial biosphere🌱
Read the article here:
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Key take homes below👇
New publication from #ECONOVO on the widespread ecological novelty across the terrestrial biosphere🌱
Read the article here:
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Key take homes below👇
Widespread ecological novelty across the terrestrial biosphere - Nature Ecology & Evolution
Even outside urban and agricultural areas, ecosystems are vastly transformed as a result of human activities. Here the authors map patterns in climate change, defaunation and floristic disruption to q...
www.nature.com
March 14, 2025 at 2:44 PM
The #biosphere is changing: Check our global mapping of ecological novelty in wild #ecosystems (due to #climatechange, #defaunation & floristic disruption) - just out in @natureecoevo.bsky.social ♨️🐘🌿🌐 Big thx to @mattkerr.bsky.social for the huge effort! #novelecosystems #invasivespecies #megafauna
Reposted by Luca Santini
🌿 PhD Opportunity in Agroecology & Biodiversity! 🦋
Join our work group at the University of Göttingen!
Fully funded PhD (TV-L E13, 65%) on carabid communities & biological control in agroecosystems in the HEAVEN project.
📆 Apply by 20.03.2025
👉🏼 obp.uni-goettingen.de/de-de/OBF/In...
Join our work group at the University of Göttingen!
Fully funded PhD (TV-L E13, 65%) on carabid communities & biological control in agroecosystems in the HEAVEN project.
📆 Apply by 20.03.2025
👉🏼 obp.uni-goettingen.de/de-de/OBF/In...
March 3, 2025 at 11:20 AM
🌿 PhD Opportunity in Agroecology & Biodiversity! 🦋
Join our work group at the University of Göttingen!
Fully funded PhD (TV-L E13, 65%) on carabid communities & biological control in agroecosystems in the HEAVEN project.
📆 Apply by 20.03.2025
👉🏼 obp.uni-goettingen.de/de-de/OBF/In...
Join our work group at the University of Göttingen!
Fully funded PhD (TV-L E13, 65%) on carabid communities & biological control in agroecosystems in the HEAVEN project.
📆 Apply by 20.03.2025
👉🏼 obp.uni-goettingen.de/de-de/OBF/In...