The Lab on Ecology of Biological Invasions, Management and Conservation (LEIMAC) was established in 2019.
It is a collaborative, diverse, inclusive and ethical space in which any kind of prejudice and discrimination is allowed (see our code of conduct, in Portuguese).
Our main field of study are biological invasions, which occur due to intentional or unintentional introductions of species related to human activities. No focus is set on one single organism or group of organisms; we aim to understand the mechanisms involved in the process of biological invasion, the impacts derived from such process from the level of organism to ecosystem level as well as responses by invasive species and habitats to management.
Our main goals are to:
- assess key factors related to biological invasion processes in tropical and subtropical ecosystems;
- identify impacts generated by non-native invasive species in these ecosystems; and
- assess the effect of management in invaded communities and on the restoration of key ecosystem functions and processes.
We strive to contribute to solve real conservation problems and want to provide reference and solutions for current environmental issues, working with partner universities, government agencies, NGOs and others involved in environmental conservation and restoration.