Teresa Catry

I am a Research Assistant at the University of Lisbon, working mainly on shorebird and seabird ecology, but also with a strong interest on the conservation of steppe birds. My main research is focused on key state-of-the-art aspects of the ecology of coastal and marine birds in the contrasting ecological contexts of tropical, sub-tropical and temperate estuarine/marine ecosystems.

Work with coastal birds (shorebirds) aims at implementing a long-term international program focused on intercontinental (African-European) migratory connectivity and the role of migrants in ecological networks, using estuarine birds as models. In particularly, research is focused in (1) developing methods to quantitatively assess the quality of foraging and roosting resources in both temperate and tropical estuaries, (2) characterizing migratory connectivity of shorebirds within the East Atlantic Flyway (Europe and Africa), (3) describing the structure and functioning of food webs leading to shorebirds and (4) assessing the role of these migrant birds on the dynamics of coastal ecosystems.

Fieldwork has been carried out in Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania and Guinea-Bissau.

Roosting_shorebirds_Tagus_estuary
Roosting shorebirds on a saltpan at the Tagus estuary, Lisbon, Portugal. Photo: Teresa Catry

The aim to work with shorebirds along the East Atlantic Flyway, namely in Mauritania, was the first point of contact with Theunis, leading to a dynamic and fruitful collaboration in different projects (including shared student supervision) during the last years.

For an overview of my research, please see my personal and team website, or keep connected via twitter @TeresaCatry and @tidal_wings.

Roosting_shorebirds_Guinea_Bissau
Roosting shorebirds on a tropical beach of the Bijagós archipelago, Guinea-Bissau. Photo: Teresa Catry