The Ecology and Biodiversity Laboratory at the Department of Biological Sciences of the University of Cyprus, which commenced operations in January 2012, conducts research concerning biodiversity both in Cyprus and on a broader geographic scale, approaching it from various perspectives such as evolutionary/phylogenetic, ecological, and biogeographical.
In other words, it examines how life’s diversity is shaped in various ecosystems through evolutionary processes, through the current interaction of organisms with their environment, and investigates which factors influence why organisms are found in the areas where we encounter them, as well as who these organisms actually are, as we know only a small part of the actual biodiversity both of the country and more generally of the planet. This knowledge is crucial, among other things, to understand the impact we have on the natural environment and to find ways to address its degradation and the reduction of biodiversity caused by our unsustainable activities.
Research at the Ecology and Biodiversity Laboratory mainly focuses on terrestrial animal groups, primarily arthropods and reptiles, but occasionally includes marine groups, invasive (“alien”) species, organisms that lived in the past (fossils), even plants and phytoplankton.
Thus, collaborations are developed with specialists from around the world on individual subjects to support researchers who develop expertise in a wide range of organisms and questions, with the ultimate goal of developing and strengthening the community of scientists studying biodiversity in the country.
To achieve this goal, the laboratory promotes other relevant initiatives, such as the effort to develop a Biodiversity Centre at the University of Cyprus, the coordination effort for the compilation of a “Red List” for threatened animal species in Cyprus, lobbying for the establishment of a National Museum of Natural History, improving biology curriculum in secondary education, disseminating scientific knowledge on ecology and evolution in the wider society, among others.
In the context of our research, we apply both classical ecological research methods in the field and laboratory as well as modern molecular methods of genetic and genomic analysis of organisms, thus thoroughly examining the processes that shape biodiversity.
It is noteworthy that in recent years, we have identified several new species for science, unique to Cyprus (endemic), some of which are “cryptic,” meaning they cannot be identified based on their morphology alone, but only based on their genetic material!
Despite the fact that the funding for related activities is much lower than what is required by current conditions, research at the Ecology and Biodiversity Laboratory has been partially funded by the Research and Innovation Foundation of Cyprus (RIF), the European Commission, and other bodies.
From the laboratory, directed by Professor Spyros Sfendourakis, to date, eight researchers have obtained their doctoral degree, and four others are completing their thesis. Eight female and male students have obtained a master’s degree, and over twenty undergraduate students have completed their dissertations. Additionally, several researchers from other universities abroad have worked in the laboratory.
For more information, you can visit https://sfendour.wixsite.com/biodiversitylab and https://www.ucy.ac.cy/directory/en/profile/sfendour.
You can also watch a related video on the University of Cyprus YouTube channel.
