Ecologist & Data Scientist
"Half Data Scientist, Half Data Analyst, 100% Ecologist!"
"Half Data Scientist, Half Data Analyst, 100% Ecologist!"
I am a community ecologist at the University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy. My work combines advanced statistical methods, computational tools, and network theory to investigate biodiversity patterns and community dynamics across different ecosystems.
I integrate multiple approaches — from multivariate statistics and ecological modelling to data science and algorithm development — to address complex ecological questions.
My goal is to bridge the gap between ecological theory and quantitative methods, always letting the hypothesis drive the tool, not the other way around.
Network Theory, Biodiversity Patterns, Community Dynamics, Functional ecology.
Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB) - University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy.
An ecological niche for data science
I believe we need ecologists who are algorithmically trained, rather than data scientists who are ecologically trained. Applying a tool is not the difficult part; deciding which tool to apply based on deep ecological hypotheses is where the real challenge lies.
Latest updates from research and academic activities
Unfavourable winds over the Mediterranean force diverse bird species to synchronize their arrival at stopover sites, creating tight migratory communities. Conversely, favorable tailwinds allow species to cross independently, scattering their arrival times. Over 18 years, this wind-driven synchronization has significantly increased, while temperature and regional climate indices showed virtually no impact.
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Climate and weather affect more than migration timing. Our study provides evidence that large-scale atmospheric processes can structure ecological communities during migration, linking wind-mediated movement dynamics to patterns of community assembly in trans-Saharan migrants.
Erica Calabretta, Bruno Bellisario, Claudio Carere, Ivan Maggini, Massimiliano Cardinale, Elizabeth Yohannes, Leonida Fusani
In this study we highlight that traditional protected area zoning often fails to capture the spatial needs of freshwater macroinvertebrates. Although we did not found direct link between high-protection zones and existing biodiversity hotspots, we discovered that Integral Reserves (IRs) play a crucial role in recovery.
Chiara Giusto, Adriana Bellati, Francesco Cerini, Bruno Bellisario, Daniele Canestrelli
In this study, we highlight that traditional spatial protection often requires physical reinforcement to effectively deter illegal fishing in Mediterranean Posidonia oceanica meadows. Although we observed a general increase in fish length across all functional groups, recovery rates are strictly dependent on life history strategies.
Roberta Cimmaruta, Azzurra Lattanzi, Bruno Bellisario, Giuseppe Nascetti.
Caricamento pubblicazioni da ORCID...