ISABEL DAMAS MOREIRA
Behavioural Ecologist

I completed my Master's degree at CIBIO-InBIO, University of Porto, Portugal (2011-2013).

 

My MSc thesis mainly focused on the impact of blood parasites on lizard host behaviour. Under the supervision of Dr. James Harris and Dr. Ana Perera, I studied lacertid species from Portugal and Morocco (genera Podarcis and Scelarcis) to examine how blood parasites affect on host performance, behaviour, immune function, and ecophysiology.

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Additionally, during field expeditions to Morocco, we spent many weeks camping in the wild across this vibrant country, collecting genetic and geographic data on a wide range of herpetofauna. These data contributed to a better understanding of species distributions in a region that remains relatively understudied.

 

These years were far more enriching than I could ever have imagined. The project involved countless hours in the field, under the microscope, in the genetics lab, at the computer, and spending quality time with my lizards. It also meant many days without a shower (personal record of 12 days) and weeks of driving across Morocco under the hot sun, guided only by a paper map.

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Nevertheless, it was definetely worth it! You can find some of this work in the Publications section.