Jeferson Vizentin-Bugoni

Biology

Jeferson Vizentin-Bugoni is a scientist who invites us to reflect on the impact of climate change on tropical biodiversity. His work delves into the mutualism involved in seed dispersal in the Atlantic Forest to find points of vulnerability in this biome. In this way, the project can propose effective and sustainable solutions to offset the disastrous consequences that global warming generates for the Atlantic Forest.

Jeferson’s trajectory is a convergence of passion for nature and dedication to science, a combination rooted in his childhood, spent among the araucaria trees of Rio Grande do Sul. Graduating in biology at the Federal University of Pelotas, he channelled his interest into the interactions between plants and hummingbirds during his master’s and doctoral studies at the State University of Campinas and the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. His postdoctoral work in Hawaii led to the topic of ecological restoration, reinforcing his dedication to preserving at-risk ecosystems. When he is not leading his laboratory at the Federal University of Pelotas, the biologist finds balance in yoga, watching birds and in moments of contemplation drinking chimarrão in the beautiful landscapes of the South.

Projects

Will seed dispersal interactions help tropical plants overcome climate change?
Science / Life Sciences

Climate change caused by human activities has impacted biodiversity and ecosystem services. One of the possible responses of organisms to global warming is the colonization of colder areas (niche tracking). In this scenario, the dispersal of seeds by animals is crucial for plants to move, avoiding extinction. However, these changes can generate spatial and temporal decoupling between mutualistic animals and plants, which is particularly important in the tropics, where most plants depend on animals for dispersal. Using an integrative analytical approach and data collected in the southern portion of the Atlantic Forest, we will identify mutualistic species vulnerable to climate change and critical areas that will act as climate refuges. The intention is to fill the gaps in knowledge that currently make it difficult to predict and mitigate the impacts of climate change on species and ecosystems.

Open Calls

Chamada 6