Hugo Ferreira
@ferreirahrs.bsky.social
PHD
Postdoctoral Research Associate at Global Wader
Network Lead - Youth Engaged in Wetlands
Where is Spoony? - Zooniverse project manager.
Postdoctoral Research Associate at Global Wader
Network Lead - Youth Engaged in Wetlands
Where is Spoony? - Zooniverse project manager.
I would like to thank my supervisors and co-authors,
@jocelyn-tdv.bsky.social Thomas Blanchon @tamarlok.bsky.social and @joseaalves.bsky.social for the advice! Also, technicians and field volunteers at @tourduvalat.bsky.social eco_flyway @globalflyway.bsky.social CESAM, and @uaveiro.bsky.social
@jocelyn-tdv.bsky.social Thomas Blanchon @tamarlok.bsky.social and @joseaalves.bsky.social for the advice! Also, technicians and field volunteers at @tourduvalat.bsky.social eco_flyway @globalflyway.bsky.social CESAM, and @uaveiro.bsky.social
June 22, 2025 at 5:33 PM
I would like to thank my supervisors and co-authors,
@jocelyn-tdv.bsky.social Thomas Blanchon @tamarlok.bsky.social and @joseaalves.bsky.social for the advice! Also, technicians and field volunteers at @tourduvalat.bsky.social eco_flyway @globalflyway.bsky.social CESAM, and @uaveiro.bsky.social
@jocelyn-tdv.bsky.social Thomas Blanchon @tamarlok.bsky.social and @joseaalves.bsky.social for the advice! Also, technicians and field volunteers at @tourduvalat.bsky.social eco_flyway @globalflyway.bsky.social CESAM, and @uaveiro.bsky.social
To concluded (7/8)
June 22, 2025 at 5:33 PM
To concluded (7/8)
The story continues!
We examined chick migratory behaviour based on crossing major barriers:
🟡 No barriers
🟢 Sahara Desert
🔵 Mediterranean Sea
Intriguingly, as the season progresses, the chance of spoonbills crossing major ecological barriers decreases. (6/8)
We examined chick migratory behaviour based on crossing major barriers:
🟡 No barriers
🟢 Sahara Desert
🔵 Mediterranean Sea
Intriguingly, as the season progresses, the chance of spoonbills crossing major ecological barriers decreases. (6/8)
June 22, 2025 at 5:33 PM
The story continues!
We examined chick migratory behaviour based on crossing major barriers:
🟡 No barriers
🟢 Sahara Desert
🔵 Mediterranean Sea
Intriguingly, as the season progresses, the chance of spoonbills crossing major ecological barriers decreases. (6/8)
We examined chick migratory behaviour based on crossing major barriers:
🟡 No barriers
🟢 Sahara Desert
🔵 Mediterranean Sea
Intriguingly, as the season progresses, the chance of spoonbills crossing major ecological barriers decreases. (6/8)
Later-born chicks were seen to have lower body condition than early born chicks.
Thus, by breeding earlier, older spoonbills have higher likelihood of having chicks with higher body condition. (5/8)
Thus, by breeding earlier, older spoonbills have higher likelihood of having chicks with higher body condition. (5/8)
June 22, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Later-born chicks were seen to have lower body condition than early born chicks.
Thus, by breeding earlier, older spoonbills have higher likelihood of having chicks with higher body condition. (5/8)
Thus, by breeding earlier, older spoonbills have higher likelihood of having chicks with higher body condition. (5/8)
Using camera traps & expert observations, we identified when breeders were seen breeding for the first time in the season.
Our finding: Older spoonbills tend to breed earlier in the season than younger ones.
But how can this impact their offspring? (4/8)
Our finding: Older spoonbills tend to breed earlier in the season than younger ones.
But how can this impact their offspring? (4/8)
June 22, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Using camera traps & expert observations, we identified when breeders were seen breeding for the first time in the season.
Our finding: Older spoonbills tend to breed earlier in the season than younger ones.
But how can this impact their offspring? (4/8)
Our finding: Older spoonbills tend to breed earlier in the season than younger ones.
But how can this impact their offspring? (4/8)
To identify individual spoonbills, since 2008, the @tourduvalat.bsky.social team has ringed more than 5000 thousand chicks with PVC rings.
Thanks, to these individual markings we were able to determine the age of 451 breeders and the migratory behaviour of 105 juveniles. (3/8)
Thanks, to these individual markings we were able to determine the age of 451 breeders and the migratory behaviour of 105 juveniles. (3/8)
June 22, 2025 at 5:33 PM
To identify individual spoonbills, since 2008, the @tourduvalat.bsky.social team has ringed more than 5000 thousand chicks with PVC rings.
Thanks, to these individual markings we were able to determine the age of 451 breeders and the migratory behaviour of 105 juveniles. (3/8)
Thanks, to these individual markings we were able to determine the age of 451 breeders and the migratory behaviour of 105 juveniles. (3/8)
As animals age, past experience can improve their performance of basic behaviours such as foraging and movement.
However, due to the difficulty to follow animals it is often difficult to assess how their performance impacts their offspring. (2/8)
However, due to the difficulty to follow animals it is often difficult to assess how their performance impacts their offspring. (2/8)
June 22, 2025 at 5:33 PM
As animals age, past experience can improve their performance of basic behaviours such as foraging and movement.
However, due to the difficulty to follow animals it is often difficult to assess how their performance impacts their offspring. (2/8)
However, due to the difficulty to follow animals it is often difficult to assess how their performance impacts their offspring. (2/8)
Now that I’ve finally rested, I want to thank all the observers, technicians, volunteers, colleagues, supervisors, friends, and family, who made this thesis possible. The best part of the defense was feeling all the love and support. Obrigado, see you in the next challenge! :D
March 18, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Now that I’ve finally rested, I want to thank all the observers, technicians, volunteers, colleagues, supervisors, friends, and family, who made this thesis possible. The best part of the defense was feeling all the love and support. Obrigado, see you in the next challenge! :D
I would like to thank my supervisors and co-authors
Carolina Hadden, @jocelyn-tdv.bsky.social , Tamar Lok, Marion Vittecoq, and José A. Alves for the advice and tremendous help!
Also, Sandra Hodic (fieldwork), the @tourduvalat.bsky.social, eco_flyway, CESAM, and @uaveiro.bsky.social ).
.
Carolina Hadden, @jocelyn-tdv.bsky.social , Tamar Lok, Marion Vittecoq, and José A. Alves for the advice and tremendous help!
Also, Sandra Hodic (fieldwork), the @tourduvalat.bsky.social, eco_flyway, CESAM, and @uaveiro.bsky.social ).
.
January 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
I would like to thank my supervisors and co-authors
Carolina Hadden, @jocelyn-tdv.bsky.social , Tamar Lok, Marion Vittecoq, and José A. Alves for the advice and tremendous help!
Also, Sandra Hodic (fieldwork), the @tourduvalat.bsky.social, eco_flyway, CESAM, and @uaveiro.bsky.social ).
.
Carolina Hadden, @jocelyn-tdv.bsky.social , Tamar Lok, Marion Vittecoq, and José A. Alves for the advice and tremendous help!
Also, Sandra Hodic (fieldwork), the @tourduvalat.bsky.social, eco_flyway, CESAM, and @uaveiro.bsky.social ).
.
Understanding where spoonbills gather ANM and whether they actively seek it is a priority for further research.
Studies such as necropsy or detailed nest temperature analysis could help unravel the benefits and potential adverse effects of ANM on waterbird breeding success. 9/10
Studies such as necropsy or detailed nest temperature analysis could help unravel the benefits and potential adverse effects of ANM on waterbird breeding success. 9/10
January 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Understanding where spoonbills gather ANM and whether they actively seek it is a priority for further research.
Studies such as necropsy or detailed nest temperature analysis could help unravel the benefits and potential adverse effects of ANM on waterbird breeding success. 9/10
Studies such as necropsy or detailed nest temperature analysis could help unravel the benefits and potential adverse effects of ANM on waterbird breeding success. 9/10
Our results suggest other species may be better pollution sentinels in wetland nesting sites than spoonbills.
However, spoonbills could act as #biovectors, potentially transporting materials like sheet plastics from agricultural fields to natural nesting areas. (8/10)
However, spoonbills could act as #biovectors, potentially transporting materials like sheet plastics from agricultural fields to natural nesting areas. (8/10)
January 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Our results suggest other species may be better pollution sentinels in wetland nesting sites than spoonbills.
However, spoonbills could act as #biovectors, potentially transporting materials like sheet plastics from agricultural fields to natural nesting areas. (8/10)
However, spoonbills could act as #biovectors, potentially transporting materials like sheet plastics from agricultural fields to natural nesting areas. (8/10)
No link was found between ANM proportion and breeder age or hatching success. But it is noteworthy that, despite the high incidence of ANM, there are no documented cases of mortality due to entanglement or suffocation of chicks or adults by nest material in #Camargue. (7/10)
January 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
No link was found between ANM proportion and breeder age or hatching success. But it is noteworthy that, despite the high incidence of ANM, there are no documented cases of mortality due to entanglement or suffocation of chicks or adults by nest material in #Camargue. (7/10)
Although it is not clear whether they are used to replace or complement natural materials, an increase in the use of ANM throughout the season coincided with a decrease in the proportion of Halimione in the nest lining. (6/10)
January 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Although it is not clear whether they are used to replace or complement natural materials, an increase in the use of ANM throughout the season coincided with a decrease in the proportion of Halimione in the nest lining. (6/10)
Nest lining mainly contained natural fragmented materials like #Halimioneportulacoides, ANM, and feathers.
Raw data suggests Halimione decreases ~21 days post estimated egg laying, while ANM remains constant. (5/10)
Raw data suggests Halimione decreases ~21 days post estimated egg laying, while ANM remains constant. (5/10)
January 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Nest lining mainly contained natural fragmented materials like #Halimioneportulacoides, ANM, and feathers.
Raw data suggests Halimione decreases ~21 days post estimated egg laying, while ANM remains constant. (5/10)
Raw data suggests Halimione decreases ~21 days post estimated egg laying, while ANM remains constant. (5/10)
We used photos as a balanced precision/disturbance method to assess ANM in nest lining.
Nests were photographed during each visit (2.3).
Marked breeders were identified and linked to nests (2.5), and hatching success was recorded (2.6). (4/10)
Nests were photographed during each visit (2.3).
Marked breeders were identified and linked to nests (2.5), and hatching success was recorded (2.6). (4/10)
January 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
We used photos as a balanced precision/disturbance method to assess ANM in nest lining.
Nests were photographed during each visit (2.3).
Marked breeders were identified and linked to nests (2.5), and hatching success was recorded (2.6). (4/10)
Nests were photographed during each visit (2.3).
Marked breeders were identified and linked to nests (2.5), and hatching success was recorded (2.6). (4/10)
Out of 439 nests observed at the field, 39 % contained at least one ANM (Survey 2.2), usually plastic of sheet-like shape and white-transparent colours (Survey 2.4).
ANM were mainly located in the nest lining and on average represented 1.4 ± 0.87% of the nest total mass. (3/10)
ANM were mainly located in the nest lining and on average represented 1.4 ± 0.87% of the nest total mass. (3/10)
January 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Out of 439 nests observed at the field, 39 % contained at least one ANM (Survey 2.2), usually plastic of sheet-like shape and white-transparent colours (Survey 2.4).
ANM were mainly located in the nest lining and on average represented 1.4 ± 0.87% of the nest total mass. (3/10)
ANM were mainly located in the nest lining and on average represented 1.4 ± 0.87% of the nest total mass. (3/10)
Although commonly found in #Eurasianspoonbill nests, anthropogenic nesting materials (ANM) have never been quantified.
We monitored ANM occurrence in nests in the #Camargue wetland, Southern France, over two breeding seasons. (2/10)
We monitored ANM occurrence in nests in the #Camargue wetland, Southern France, over two breeding seasons. (2/10)
January 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Although commonly found in #Eurasianspoonbill nests, anthropogenic nesting materials (ANM) have never been quantified.
We monitored ANM occurrence in nests in the #Camargue wetland, Southern France, over two breeding seasons. (2/10)
We monitored ANM occurrence in nests in the #Camargue wetland, Southern France, over two breeding seasons. (2/10)
There is no two without three!
Third chapter of my thesis out in #stoten @elsevierconnect.bsky.social
"Presence and potential impact of anthropogenic nesting materials on a colonial breeding waterbird"
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... (1/10)
Third chapter of my thesis out in #stoten @elsevierconnect.bsky.social
"Presence and potential impact of anthropogenic nesting materials on a colonial breeding waterbird"
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... (1/10)
January 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
There is no two without three!
Third chapter of my thesis out in #stoten @elsevierconnect.bsky.social
"Presence and potential impact of anthropogenic nesting materials on a colonial breeding waterbird"
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... (1/10)
Third chapter of my thesis out in #stoten @elsevierconnect.bsky.social
"Presence and potential impact of anthropogenic nesting materials on a colonial breeding waterbird"
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... (1/10)
Understanding how specific management actions may affect waterbird presence and habitat use is essential not only to improve the effectiveness of conservation efforts, but also to promote wetland connectivity and species resilience, particularly in fragmented landscapes. (8/8)
December 23, 2024 at 3:42 PM
Understanding how specific management actions may affect waterbird presence and habitat use is essential not only to improve the effectiveness of conservation efforts, but also to promote wetland connectivity and species resilience, particularly in fragmented landscapes. (8/8)
In Marais Vigueirat, a strongly protected area (6), is actively managed to provide optimal conditions for waterbirds, considering climatic conditions, the annual cycle, and the biology of the target species.
This reserve was identified as one of the most important areas. (7/8)
This reserve was identified as one of the most important areas. (7/8)
December 23, 2024 at 3:42 PM
In Marais Vigueirat, a strongly protected area (6), is actively managed to provide optimal conditions for waterbirds, considering climatic conditions, the annual cycle, and the biology of the target species.
This reserve was identified as one of the most important areas. (7/8)
This reserve was identified as one of the most important areas. (7/8)
Surprisingly, spoonbills did not increase their use of strongly protected areas during the waterfowl hunting season (late disp. & wintering periods). This could be explained by the variety of hunting practices in Camargue and by the large size of the hunting estates used. (6/8)
December 23, 2024 at 3:42 PM
Surprisingly, spoonbills did not increase their use of strongly protected areas during the waterfowl hunting season (late disp. & wintering periods). This could be explained by the variety of hunting practices in Camargue and by the large size of the hunting estates used. (6/8)
Our study shows that privately managed wetland areas play a complementary role to strongly protected areas: they may provide spoonbills (and other waterbirds) with suitable foraging habitat at certain periods of the year when these are less available in strongly protected areas.
December 23, 2024 at 3:42 PM
Our study shows that privately managed wetland areas play a complementary role to strongly protected areas: they may provide spoonbills (and other waterbirds) with suitable foraging habitat at certain periods of the year when these are less available in strongly protected areas.
We tracked 91 Eurasian spoonbills of different ages throughout their annual cycle and tested for overall differences in the use of strongly protected areas in Camargue between periods and age classes. (4/8)
December 23, 2024 at 3:42 PM
We tracked 91 Eurasian spoonbills of different ages throughout their annual cycle and tested for overall differences in the use of strongly protected areas in Camargue between periods and age classes. (4/8)
It is also one of the most important waterfowl hunting (mainly ducks) areas in Europe, which is one of the main management objectives of several private wetlands in the Camargue.
Thus, we divided Camargue into areas of moderate (orange) or strong protection (green) (3/8)
Thus, we divided Camargue into areas of moderate (orange) or strong protection (green) (3/8)
December 23, 2024 at 3:42 PM
It is also one of the most important waterfowl hunting (mainly ducks) areas in Europe, which is one of the main management objectives of several private wetlands in the Camargue.
Thus, we divided Camargue into areas of moderate (orange) or strong protection (green) (3/8)
Thus, we divided Camargue into areas of moderate (orange) or strong protection (green) (3/8)
The second paper of my thesis is now out in #landscapeecology!
"Role of protected areas for a colonial-breeding waterbird in a fragmented landscape throughout its annual cycle"
This study focused on the Eurasian spoonbill land-use of #Camargue
link.springer.com/article/10.1... (1/8)
"Role of protected areas for a colonial-breeding waterbird in a fragmented landscape throughout its annual cycle"
This study focused on the Eurasian spoonbill land-use of #Camargue
link.springer.com/article/10.1... (1/8)
December 23, 2024 at 3:42 PM
The second paper of my thesis is now out in #landscapeecology!
"Role of protected areas for a colonial-breeding waterbird in a fragmented landscape throughout its annual cycle"
This study focused on the Eurasian spoonbill land-use of #Camargue
link.springer.com/article/10.1... (1/8)
"Role of protected areas for a colonial-breeding waterbird in a fragmented landscape throughout its annual cycle"
This study focused on the Eurasian spoonbill land-use of #Camargue
link.springer.com/article/10.1... (1/8)