Filippo Barbanera research ID:
– Orcid ID: 0000-0003-4225-1919
– Scopus Author ID: 6603737572
– Researcher Isi Web ID: L-3109-2015
The large majority of my research is carried out with my colleague and friend Monica Guerrini
CONSERVATION, PHYLOGEOGRAPHY, and HISTORIC BIOGEOGRAPHY
Partridges (Phasianidae). Genetic/genomic investigation of either wild or captive populations of the avian genus Alectoris with a long-lasting focus on the red-legged partridge (A.rufa), a bird species endemic to southwestern Europe. Its native range encompasses the Iberian Peninsula, a major part of southern and central France, and the north-west of the Italian Peninsula. Recent/ongoing studies: investigation of A. rufa populations across the entire species’ range using genome-wide markers (e.g., signatures of introgressions, spatial structure, etc.); A. rufa whole genome sequencing; phylogenomics of the extant Alectoris species. In Italy, a special interest (population genetics, gut microbiome, genome-wide investigation, historic ecology) is devoted to the study of population from Elba Island, which is by far the most important of the country. Main collaborations: University of Alcalá de Henares (Spain), National University of Singapore
Black francolin (Francolinus francolinus, Phasianidae). Currently found from Cyprus and the Middle East eastwards to the Indian subcontinent with six morphological subspecies inhabiting a variety of open ground habitats, the black francolin occurred in the western Mediterranean until the half of the nineteenth century. However, the native occurrence of the species to such areas was seriously doubted and the origin of these putatively imported westernmost populations shrouded in secrecy. In the last 10 years, we focused on extinct Mediterranean populations according to a multidisciplinary approach (history, art history and genetics). We showed that this bird was not native to the western Mediterranean. We proved its introduction to Cyprus and westward through the Mediterranean Basin via several trade routes that reached as far east as South Asia. In particular, the role of the Crown of Aragon in the circum-Mediterranean expansion of the black francolin, including the Maghreb and Greece, was assessed. Ongoing studies: historic ecology across southern Europe and genome investigation. Main collaborations: University of Alcalá de Henares (Spain).
Smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata, Mustelidae). The smooth-coated otter is the only extant species of its genus. We aim at collecting field/laboratory data for the long-term conservation management of the species across its entire distribution range and within an evolutionary framework. In the last years, we focused on endemic-to-Iraq L. p. maxwelli population, L. p. perspicillata x A. cinereus hybrid population of Singapore, and the molecular biogeography of the species as a whole (subspecies boundaries, with a special focus at the border Iran/Pakistan and India/Bangladesh and the Sundaland). The smooth-coated otter played as flagship species for the conservation of biodiversity in the Mesopotamian marshes against climate change at COP21, Paris, 2015. Occasional collaboration to investigate the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in the Mesopotamian marshes of Iraq. We aim to get a deeper insight into the population genetics of the Iraqi Lutrogale subspecies. Main collaborations: University of Baghdad (Iraq), IUCN Otter Specialist Group, International Otter Survival Fund (UK).
Corsican mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon var. corsicana). In 2020, FB started to collaborate with French colleagues to study the historically-relevant mouflon population (O. g. musimon var. corsicana) from the island of Corsica. FB was part of the Committee for the drafting of the National Action Plan for the Corsican mouflon (2022-2024) and is currently member of the ‘Mouflon Monitoring Working Group’ within the National Action Plan for the Corsican Mouflon (2024-2033) . Main collaborations: Game and Fauna Service, Ministry of Interior (Cyprus), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (France), Office Français de La Biodiversité, Unité Ongulés Sauvages (France).
PAST RESEARCH ACTIVITY
Cyprus mouflon. The Cyprus mouflon (O. gmelini ophion) is the largest wild terrestrial mammal of this island. Likely introduced by man over 11,000 years ago, it is endemic to Cyprus. The species is strictly protected under Cypriot legislation and is listed in Annex II/IV of 92/43 Habitats Directive as priority taxon for Europe (also IUCN-NT as per O. gmelini global assesment category and CITES Appendix I). The Cyprus mouflon is threatened by disturbance, habitat loss, road network, and inappropriate forestry practice and poaching. In the years 2009-2021, we inferred fine-scale spatial structure for purpose of its long-term conservation management and phylogenetic placement within the Moufloniforms. We also carried out genetic analyses for four criminal cases between 2008 and 2011 in collaboration with the Veterinary Services and the Police of Cyprus. Scientific report deposited at the Court of Nicosia on 24 January 2011 and witness summons for the Prosecutor-in-Chief of the Court of Nicosia held in Nicosia between 24 and 26 January 2011 for the criminal case No. 21624/2009 (illegal possession of mouflon meat and suspect poaching). FB was responsible for the genetic analyses dealing with five more cases of suspect poaching against the Cyprus mouflon occurred between September 2010 and October 2011. Main collaborations: Game and Fauna Service (Cyprus), Veterinary Services (Cyprus)
Bird species resident in Cyprus – barcoding against wildlife crimes. DNA barcoding (mtDNA COI gene sequencing) of bird species resident in Cyprus. In this country, about 22 bird species are usually illegally served as food in local restaurant. Following raids by game wardens and consequent confiscation of suspect poached meat, safe connection between the meat itself and the precise taxonomical identity of the species is not an easy task to be accomplished according to morphology only. This is especially the case of plucked birds (without feathers, ready to be cooked) or, even worse, of partially or entirely cooked birds as reported above. The mtDNA barcoding allows assigning each sample to a recognized bird species. See article with interview appeared in Nature, 529: 452-455 (January 28th, 2016). Main collaborations: BirdLife International, University of Cyprus, and Game and Fauna Service (Cyprus).
Barn swallow (Hirundo rustica, Passeriformes). Dispersal affects distribution, dynamics and genetic structure of natural populations and can be significantly different between sexes. However, literature records dealing with the dispersal of migratory birds are scarce, as migratory behaviour can notably complicate the study. We used the barn swallow as model taxon to investigate patterns of genetic variability in males and in females of a migratory species showing sex-biased dispersal. We carried out genetic analysis of European breeding populations in Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Germany, Ireland, and Russian Federation.
White-clawed crayfish (Austrapotamobius italicus, Crustacea). The white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius italicus is the largest vagile invertebrate living in the freshwater habitat of the Italian Peninsula. Considered as keystone, umbrella and flagship species complex, it is often associated with branchiobdellids (Annelida, Clitellata) in a symbiotic relationship. We investigated white-clawed crayfish populations resident in Lunigiana (Province of Massa-Carrara) focusing on the Magra River basin. We attempt to determine white-clawed crayfish occurrence and distribution pattern in the streams of the upper Magra River Basin to identify taxonomic units occurring according to morphological criteria, DNA barcoding and microsatellites, to infer the genetic structure of the studied populations for purpose of comparison with allopatric crayfish populations, and to identify symbiotic branchiobdellids. Principal investigator: Giulio Petroni (University of Pisa)