Milene Matos | University of Aveiro (original) (raw)
Papers by Milene Matos
7th European Pond Conservation Network Workshop + LIFE Charcos Seminar, 2017
Lucanus, 1, 2017
The scientific community has recently proposed the end of the Holocene, which gives rise to a new... more The scientific community has recently proposed the end of the Holocene,
which gives rise to a new geological epoch characterized by the strong
influence of humanity on planet Earth. The proposed epoch is the
Anthropocene. This article presents a brief history of the trajectory that led us to Anthropocene, followed by the presentation of the environmental
strategy of the municipality of Lousada (Portugal), which aims to tackle the unprecedented challenges imposed by Human activities.
Lucanus, 2, 2018
The project of Environmental Education - BioEscola of the Municipality of Lousada arose with the ... more The project of Environmental Education - BioEscola of the Municipality of Lousada arose with the objective of reaching the established goals concerning environmental education and social environment. Set up within the curricular plans, this program was constituted by a catalog
of thematic workshops. After a year of the project, a total of 5143 students were reached in 195 workshops across 13 distinct disciplines. For the future, BioEscola intends to encourage a greater participation
of the schools of the county and to reward the schools most committed
to the environmental protection. The long-term aim revolves around the
dissemination and replicability of the project, with the ultimate goal of
cultivating good environmental practices and local solutions to global problems. Promoting sustainability, nature and education throughout the community will certainly bring, in the near future, a more conscious, critical and careful city towards the natural world, and a better quality of life for all.
Lucanus, 3, 2019
Microhabitat-bearing trees are key elements at the level of the landscape scale since they can ha... more Microhabitat-bearing trees are key elements at the level of the landscape
scale since they can harbour many specialized species of flora and fauna,
some of which endangered. Larger trees can support more biodiversity
than their smaller relatives, since the amount and diversity of TreMs generally increases with the trees’ ‘diameter at the breast height’ (DBH). The intensity of this relationship changes when comparing different species, particularly among Central European deciduous and evergreen trees, whit the former often reaching higher TreMs diversity than the latter. In Southern Europe, particularly in Portugal, there is a lack of information regarding the diversity, ecology and importance of large old trees and TreMs. Collected local knowledge on large old trees and TreMs is the baseline to support local planning measures and conservation strategies. In this study we aim to identify and characterize the diversity of large old trees existing in the municipality of Lousada. Specifically, we aim to a) identify and map large old trees and associated TreMs, and b) understand the spatial distribution of the drivers associated with the present TreMs
diversity. So far, around 7200 trees have been identified and are being characterized according to several parameters (e.g. tree species, DBH, species origin and anatomy, management type, presence and type of TreMs). Preliminary results show that TreMs diversity generally increases with the tree’s DBH, although, varying according to the tree’s species and its nativeness. On average, native deciduous trees (particularly Quercus robur) have higher TreMs diversity than evergreen ones (native and exotic)
and than exotic deciduous species. Also, depending on the surrounding land use of the tree, pruning frequency has a significant effect on the diversity of TreMs. The results of this study will support the development
of sustainable local conservation strategies and policies that will be part of the local action plan for tree preservation.
Lucanus, 5, 2021
In 2014, the Municipality of Lousada began a transformative process that aimed to halt the loss o... more In 2014, the Municipality of Lousada began a transformative process
that aimed to halt the loss of local biodiversity, foster ecological literacy
and involve the community in an environmental agenda that would
leverage territorial development. The transformative action plan was
structured as the Municipal Strategy for Sustainability. Based on five main
lines of intervention, from scientific research to infrastructure, the Strategy
is operationalized through projects aimed at the most diverse audiences.
Seven years later, we list some of the results achieved, in a reflection on the potential of local action to respond to current challenges, such as climate change, decarbonization, circular economy, green governance and civic action.
Lucanus, 2020
In the last decades, volunteering has gained a vast public, political and scientific interest. Pu... more In the last decades, volunteering has gained a vast public, political and scientific interest. Public policies and parliamentary committees from around the world have focused on ways to stimulate volunteering among different groups, but also as a way to (re)inspire the spirit of community and solidarity, which triggered various forms of calculation for the value of volunteering and related research fields. The calculation of the importance of volunteering tends to focus on the economic value of the work done, translated by the hours worked and the number of volunteers.
However, this view is simplistic and reductive, since the value of volunteering is multidimensional and includes social, spiritual, community and meaning creation aspects that are not easily measurable, but which enormous added value is recognized and has been studied under the “economy of giving”. This paper presents the main results of the environmental volunteering carried out in the municipality of Lousada between 2016 and 2020, estimates its economic value and reflects on its social value.
Lucanus, 2020
In 2015, as a response to the needs identified during the implementation of the IMPRINT+ project,... more In 2015, as a response to the needs identified during the implementation of the IMPRINT+ project, of locally raising the levels of environmental literacy, among both students and the local community, the City Council of Lousada decided to implement, through the departments of Culture and Environment, an editorial project based on scientific knowledge regarding local natural heritage and the needs to protect it. To this end, over the last five years, the project has relied on a remarkable cast of authors, illustrators, and researchers from the most diverse fields, who have produced more than a dozen books, some of which currently integrate the National Reading Plan.
Lucanus, 2020
Lousada Guarda Rios is a social engagement project that aims to protect and monitor the ecologica... more Lousada Guarda Rios is a social engagement project that aims to protect and monitor the ecological condition of river ecosystems in the Lousada municipality, through study, environmental awareness and public participation. The project is based on four main areas: i) mapping and characterization of the main water courses in the municipality; ii) social engagement through the creation of Guarda Rios patrols and citizen monitoring of the river and stream sections adopted; iii) environmental improvement actions on priority sections; iv) formal inspection actions for identified and/or reported threats. Since 2018, 166 sections of 250 m have been characterized at the rivers Sousa and Mezio, and at Vilar, Caíde, Meinedo, Barrosas, Boim, Fontão and Pontarrinhas streams. 105 sections have been identified as priorities in terms of water pollution, presence of waste in the bed or in the margins, impossibility of access to the watercourse, and / or erosion of the margins. Of the 121 sections available for adoption, 57 were adopted. The environmental improvement activities have already involved 835 participants in the collection of about 2.5 tonnes of solid waste, in the restoration of approximately 2 km of eroded banks and, in addition, in the plantation of 334 native trees / shrubs. Of the 57 problematic occurrences inspected, 44 were solved. Lousada Guarda Rios reinforces the collective environmental awareness and thus establishes an example of good practices, replicable in neighboring municipalities and other geographical areas.
1- 4 março 2014, Almada, Portugal, 2014
International audienc
Herpetological Journal, 2016
Amphibians play an important role in ecosystems and are one of the most threatened taxa worldwide... more Amphibians play an important role in ecosystems and are one of the most threatened taxa worldwide. In order to protect their populations, it is essential to understand the factors affecting their distribution, abundance and diversity. Baixo Vouga Lagunar is a heterogeneous, human-modified, coastal wetland in north-west Portugal, with seasonal or permanently flooded habitats. We characterised the patterns of distribution, abundance and diversity of amphibians and aimed to identify its environmental drivers. Species richness was best explained by distance to the nearest well, followed by presence of temporary water bodies. Distance to the nearest well was also the most important driver of the composition of local amphibian assemblages, followed by the distance to forested areas. Our results reflect the findings of other studies in the Mediterranean region that have revealed the importance of seasonally available habitats, and stress the need for conservation of natural as well as arti...
Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 2015
Non–invasive approaches are increasingly investigated and applied in studies of small mammal asse... more Non–invasive approaches are increasingly investigated and applied in studies of small mammal assemblages because they are more cost–effective and bypass conservation and animal welfare issues. However, pellets of diurnal raptors have rarely been used for these purposes. We evaluated the potential of marsh harrier pellets (Circus aeruginosus) as a non–invasive method to sample small mammal assemblages, by comparing the results with those of sampling using Sherman live–traps and pitfalls. The three methods were applied simultaneously in an agricultural–wetland complex in NW Portugal. Estimates of species richness, diversity, evenness, abundance, and proportion of each species within the assemblage showed significant differences between the three methods. Our results suggest that the use of marsh harrier pellets is more effective in inventorying small mammal species than either of the two kinds of traps, while also avoiding any involuntary fatalities associated with the sampling of sma...
Integrative zoology, Jan 24, 2018
The stone marten (Martes foina, Erxleben, 1777) is a carnivorous mammal that often consumes flesh... more The stone marten (Martes foina, Erxleben, 1777) is a carnivorous mammal that often consumes fleshy fruits, thus potentially promoting seed dispersion. This study was developed in Bussaco National Forest, central Portugal, and aimed to assess the potential role of the stone marten in dispersing native and exotic plants in different forest landscapes types. Seeds from stone marten scats and fleshy fruits were collected monthly and were thereafter identified and sowed in a nursery, following a randomized experimental setup. Plant emergence was monitored fortnightly. Generalized Linear Models were used to test for differences in time and success of emergence between seeds from scats and fruits of three native species (Rubus ulmifolius, Arbutus unedo, Celtis australis) and one exotic plant species with invasive behaviour (Prunus laurocerasus). Fruit consumption by the stone marten significantly increased and accelerated the germination of the native R. ulmifolius but had no effect on the...
Galemys: Boletín informativo de la Sociedad Española para la conservación y estudio de los mamíferos, 2011
Os morcegos constituem um grupo de mamíferos em geral pouco conhecido, porém de elevadíssima impo... more Os morcegos constituem um grupo de mamíferos em geral pouco conhecido, porém de elevadíssima importância ecológica e económica. Para Portugal Continental estão listadas 25 espécies, representando quase 40% da fauna de mamíferos terrestres do país. Algumas espécies são muito abundantes, no entanto uma grande parte possui populações reduzidas e vulneráveis, particularmente espécies cavernícolas. A Mata Nacional do Bussaco representa um património ímpar em Portugal e no Mundo, em termos de história, arquitectura, cultura, etc. Trata-se de uma floresta murada, com aproximadamente 105ha. Biologicamente, alberga uma das melhores colecções dendrológicas da Europa e, também, uma fauna bastante diversificada, que apenas recentemente tem sido objecto de estudo, no âmbito de um projecto enfocado nas comunidades de Vertebrados locais. O inventário dos morcegos encontra-se a decorrer desde 2007, através da identificação de ecolocalizações gravadas na Mata, durante os períodos de actividade dos quirópteros. As características dos ultra-sons gravados são analisadas com um software específico e comparadas com uma base de dados e bibliografia, no sentido de tentar identificar as espécies a que pertencem. Até ao momento foram identificadas 14 espécies de quirópteros no Bussaco. É possível que existam mais, todavia a identificação de ultra-sons apresenta limitações que nem sempre permitem chegar ao nível da espécie. Dada a escassez de informação sobre este grupo de Vertebrados, qualquer estudo, ainda que simples, poderá contribuir para o conhecimento destes animais e para o delineamento de medidas de protecção e conservação.
Ardeola, 2014
Studying various aspects of the biology of a species of conservation concern allows us to improve... more Studying various aspects of the biology of a species of conservation concern allows us to improve our understanding of, for example, how the particularities of the landscape matrix influence its occurrence. The Lower Vouga Lagoon in central-western Portugal offers an unusual diversity of natural and humanised biotopes in an agricultural-wetland complex mosaic. This study aimed to identify the factors that may influence the occurrence and abundance of a diurnal raptor, the marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus, in this kind of landscape. The marsh harrier is a top predator that is considered as an umbrella species, i.e. one whose conservation may also help preserve and promote biodiversity in general in its community. This study provides potentially valuable information on management and conservation strategies in both natural and agricultural areas. We found that natural habitats, such as reedbeds, are a key habitat for this predator, providing shelter, food and suitable nesting sites. Despite the general negative effect of human pressure on the occurrence of marsh harriers, the species seems to tolerate and even benefit from humanised environments, such as rice fields, which constituted the preferred foraging habitat during the non-breeding period. Nevertheless, the degree of disturbance should be carefully considered, since road density and agricultural machinery negatively influenced the presence of the species in the landscape, particularly during the breeding period. The preservation of the distinctive features of the studied mosaic is very important. It is also necessary to establish a conservation programme involving the local human community.
7th European Pond Conservation Network Workshop + LIFE Charcos Seminar, 2017
Lucanus, 1, 2017
The scientific community has recently proposed the end of the Holocene, which gives rise to a new... more The scientific community has recently proposed the end of the Holocene,
which gives rise to a new geological epoch characterized by the strong
influence of humanity on planet Earth. The proposed epoch is the
Anthropocene. This article presents a brief history of the trajectory that led us to Anthropocene, followed by the presentation of the environmental
strategy of the municipality of Lousada (Portugal), which aims to tackle the unprecedented challenges imposed by Human activities.
Lucanus, 2, 2018
The project of Environmental Education - BioEscola of the Municipality of Lousada arose with the ... more The project of Environmental Education - BioEscola of the Municipality of Lousada arose with the objective of reaching the established goals concerning environmental education and social environment. Set up within the curricular plans, this program was constituted by a catalog
of thematic workshops. After a year of the project, a total of 5143 students were reached in 195 workshops across 13 distinct disciplines. For the future, BioEscola intends to encourage a greater participation
of the schools of the county and to reward the schools most committed
to the environmental protection. The long-term aim revolves around the
dissemination and replicability of the project, with the ultimate goal of
cultivating good environmental practices and local solutions to global problems. Promoting sustainability, nature and education throughout the community will certainly bring, in the near future, a more conscious, critical and careful city towards the natural world, and a better quality of life for all.
Lucanus, 3, 2019
Microhabitat-bearing trees are key elements at the level of the landscape scale since they can ha... more Microhabitat-bearing trees are key elements at the level of the landscape
scale since they can harbour many specialized species of flora and fauna,
some of which endangered. Larger trees can support more biodiversity
than their smaller relatives, since the amount and diversity of TreMs generally increases with the trees’ ‘diameter at the breast height’ (DBH). The intensity of this relationship changes when comparing different species, particularly among Central European deciduous and evergreen trees, whit the former often reaching higher TreMs diversity than the latter. In Southern Europe, particularly in Portugal, there is a lack of information regarding the diversity, ecology and importance of large old trees and TreMs. Collected local knowledge on large old trees and TreMs is the baseline to support local planning measures and conservation strategies. In this study we aim to identify and characterize the diversity of large old trees existing in the municipality of Lousada. Specifically, we aim to a) identify and map large old trees and associated TreMs, and b) understand the spatial distribution of the drivers associated with the present TreMs
diversity. So far, around 7200 trees have been identified and are being characterized according to several parameters (e.g. tree species, DBH, species origin and anatomy, management type, presence and type of TreMs). Preliminary results show that TreMs diversity generally increases with the tree’s DBH, although, varying according to the tree’s species and its nativeness. On average, native deciduous trees (particularly Quercus robur) have higher TreMs diversity than evergreen ones (native and exotic)
and than exotic deciduous species. Also, depending on the surrounding land use of the tree, pruning frequency has a significant effect on the diversity of TreMs. The results of this study will support the development
of sustainable local conservation strategies and policies that will be part of the local action plan for tree preservation.
Lucanus, 5, 2021
In 2014, the Municipality of Lousada began a transformative process that aimed to halt the loss o... more In 2014, the Municipality of Lousada began a transformative process
that aimed to halt the loss of local biodiversity, foster ecological literacy
and involve the community in an environmental agenda that would
leverage territorial development. The transformative action plan was
structured as the Municipal Strategy for Sustainability. Based on five main
lines of intervention, from scientific research to infrastructure, the Strategy
is operationalized through projects aimed at the most diverse audiences.
Seven years later, we list some of the results achieved, in a reflection on the potential of local action to respond to current challenges, such as climate change, decarbonization, circular economy, green governance and civic action.
Lucanus, 2020
In the last decades, volunteering has gained a vast public, political and scientific interest. Pu... more In the last decades, volunteering has gained a vast public, political and scientific interest. Public policies and parliamentary committees from around the world have focused on ways to stimulate volunteering among different groups, but also as a way to (re)inspire the spirit of community and solidarity, which triggered various forms of calculation for the value of volunteering and related research fields. The calculation of the importance of volunteering tends to focus on the economic value of the work done, translated by the hours worked and the number of volunteers.
However, this view is simplistic and reductive, since the value of volunteering is multidimensional and includes social, spiritual, community and meaning creation aspects that are not easily measurable, but which enormous added value is recognized and has been studied under the “economy of giving”. This paper presents the main results of the environmental volunteering carried out in the municipality of Lousada between 2016 and 2020, estimates its economic value and reflects on its social value.
Lucanus, 2020
In 2015, as a response to the needs identified during the implementation of the IMPRINT+ project,... more In 2015, as a response to the needs identified during the implementation of the IMPRINT+ project, of locally raising the levels of environmental literacy, among both students and the local community, the City Council of Lousada decided to implement, through the departments of Culture and Environment, an editorial project based on scientific knowledge regarding local natural heritage and the needs to protect it. To this end, over the last five years, the project has relied on a remarkable cast of authors, illustrators, and researchers from the most diverse fields, who have produced more than a dozen books, some of which currently integrate the National Reading Plan.
Lucanus, 2020
Lousada Guarda Rios is a social engagement project that aims to protect and monitor the ecologica... more Lousada Guarda Rios is a social engagement project that aims to protect and monitor the ecological condition of river ecosystems in the Lousada municipality, through study, environmental awareness and public participation. The project is based on four main areas: i) mapping and characterization of the main water courses in the municipality; ii) social engagement through the creation of Guarda Rios patrols and citizen monitoring of the river and stream sections adopted; iii) environmental improvement actions on priority sections; iv) formal inspection actions for identified and/or reported threats. Since 2018, 166 sections of 250 m have been characterized at the rivers Sousa and Mezio, and at Vilar, Caíde, Meinedo, Barrosas, Boim, Fontão and Pontarrinhas streams. 105 sections have been identified as priorities in terms of water pollution, presence of waste in the bed or in the margins, impossibility of access to the watercourse, and / or erosion of the margins. Of the 121 sections available for adoption, 57 were adopted. The environmental improvement activities have already involved 835 participants in the collection of about 2.5 tonnes of solid waste, in the restoration of approximately 2 km of eroded banks and, in addition, in the plantation of 334 native trees / shrubs. Of the 57 problematic occurrences inspected, 44 were solved. Lousada Guarda Rios reinforces the collective environmental awareness and thus establishes an example of good practices, replicable in neighboring municipalities and other geographical areas.
1- 4 março 2014, Almada, Portugal, 2014
International audienc
Herpetological Journal, 2016
Amphibians play an important role in ecosystems and are one of the most threatened taxa worldwide... more Amphibians play an important role in ecosystems and are one of the most threatened taxa worldwide. In order to protect their populations, it is essential to understand the factors affecting their distribution, abundance and diversity. Baixo Vouga Lagunar is a heterogeneous, human-modified, coastal wetland in north-west Portugal, with seasonal or permanently flooded habitats. We characterised the patterns of distribution, abundance and diversity of amphibians and aimed to identify its environmental drivers. Species richness was best explained by distance to the nearest well, followed by presence of temporary water bodies. Distance to the nearest well was also the most important driver of the composition of local amphibian assemblages, followed by the distance to forested areas. Our results reflect the findings of other studies in the Mediterranean region that have revealed the importance of seasonally available habitats, and stress the need for conservation of natural as well as arti...
Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 2015
Non–invasive approaches are increasingly investigated and applied in studies of small mammal asse... more Non–invasive approaches are increasingly investigated and applied in studies of small mammal assemblages because they are more cost–effective and bypass conservation and animal welfare issues. However, pellets of diurnal raptors have rarely been used for these purposes. We evaluated the potential of marsh harrier pellets (Circus aeruginosus) as a non–invasive method to sample small mammal assemblages, by comparing the results with those of sampling using Sherman live–traps and pitfalls. The three methods were applied simultaneously in an agricultural–wetland complex in NW Portugal. Estimates of species richness, diversity, evenness, abundance, and proportion of each species within the assemblage showed significant differences between the three methods. Our results suggest that the use of marsh harrier pellets is more effective in inventorying small mammal species than either of the two kinds of traps, while also avoiding any involuntary fatalities associated with the sampling of sma...
Integrative zoology, Jan 24, 2018
The stone marten (Martes foina, Erxleben, 1777) is a carnivorous mammal that often consumes flesh... more The stone marten (Martes foina, Erxleben, 1777) is a carnivorous mammal that often consumes fleshy fruits, thus potentially promoting seed dispersion. This study was developed in Bussaco National Forest, central Portugal, and aimed to assess the potential role of the stone marten in dispersing native and exotic plants in different forest landscapes types. Seeds from stone marten scats and fleshy fruits were collected monthly and were thereafter identified and sowed in a nursery, following a randomized experimental setup. Plant emergence was monitored fortnightly. Generalized Linear Models were used to test for differences in time and success of emergence between seeds from scats and fruits of three native species (Rubus ulmifolius, Arbutus unedo, Celtis australis) and one exotic plant species with invasive behaviour (Prunus laurocerasus). Fruit consumption by the stone marten significantly increased and accelerated the germination of the native R. ulmifolius but had no effect on the...
Galemys: Boletín informativo de la Sociedad Española para la conservación y estudio de los mamíferos, 2011
Os morcegos constituem um grupo de mamíferos em geral pouco conhecido, porém de elevadíssima impo... more Os morcegos constituem um grupo de mamíferos em geral pouco conhecido, porém de elevadíssima importância ecológica e económica. Para Portugal Continental estão listadas 25 espécies, representando quase 40% da fauna de mamíferos terrestres do país. Algumas espécies são muito abundantes, no entanto uma grande parte possui populações reduzidas e vulneráveis, particularmente espécies cavernícolas. A Mata Nacional do Bussaco representa um património ímpar em Portugal e no Mundo, em termos de história, arquitectura, cultura, etc. Trata-se de uma floresta murada, com aproximadamente 105ha. Biologicamente, alberga uma das melhores colecções dendrológicas da Europa e, também, uma fauna bastante diversificada, que apenas recentemente tem sido objecto de estudo, no âmbito de um projecto enfocado nas comunidades de Vertebrados locais. O inventário dos morcegos encontra-se a decorrer desde 2007, através da identificação de ecolocalizações gravadas na Mata, durante os períodos de actividade dos quirópteros. As características dos ultra-sons gravados são analisadas com um software específico e comparadas com uma base de dados e bibliografia, no sentido de tentar identificar as espécies a que pertencem. Até ao momento foram identificadas 14 espécies de quirópteros no Bussaco. É possível que existam mais, todavia a identificação de ultra-sons apresenta limitações que nem sempre permitem chegar ao nível da espécie. Dada a escassez de informação sobre este grupo de Vertebrados, qualquer estudo, ainda que simples, poderá contribuir para o conhecimento destes animais e para o delineamento de medidas de protecção e conservação.
Ardeola, 2014
Studying various aspects of the biology of a species of conservation concern allows us to improve... more Studying various aspects of the biology of a species of conservation concern allows us to improve our understanding of, for example, how the particularities of the landscape matrix influence its occurrence. The Lower Vouga Lagoon in central-western Portugal offers an unusual diversity of natural and humanised biotopes in an agricultural-wetland complex mosaic. This study aimed to identify the factors that may influence the occurrence and abundance of a diurnal raptor, the marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus, in this kind of landscape. The marsh harrier is a top predator that is considered as an umbrella species, i.e. one whose conservation may also help preserve and promote biodiversity in general in its community. This study provides potentially valuable information on management and conservation strategies in both natural and agricultural areas. We found that natural habitats, such as reedbeds, are a key habitat for this predator, providing shelter, food and suitable nesting sites. Despite the general negative effect of human pressure on the occurrence of marsh harriers, the species seems to tolerate and even benefit from humanised environments, such as rice fields, which constituted the preferred foraging habitat during the non-breeding period. Nevertheless, the degree of disturbance should be carefully considered, since road density and agricultural machinery negatively influenced the presence of the species in the landscape, particularly during the breeding period. The preservation of the distinctive features of the studied mosaic is very important. It is also necessary to establish a conservation programme involving the local human community.