PLAnning for the
Conservation of life on
Earth in the light of evolution and
Sustainability

Project PLACES seeks to deepen understanding of biogeographic patterns of intra-specific diversity among amphibian and reptiles, offering technological advancements to support sustainable decision-making. It aims to bridge conservation biology with biogeography, macrogenetics, and evolution, thereby impacting global biodiversity policy. PLACES will develop integrated methods and computational tools applicable to diverse taxonomic groups and decision-making processes.

Focusing on amphibians and reptiles, PLACES will study intra-specific diversity in six regions: the Iberian Peninsula, Northwestern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Madagascar, Northern Australia, and the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. These regions span different realms (Palearctic, Sahara-Arabian, Madagascan, Australian and Neotropical), biomes (including Deserts & Xeric, Tropical and Subtropical, Mediterranean and Temperate), and climates (Equatorial, Arid and Warm temperate), These regions comprise 1040 amphibian and 1795 reptile species.

This new knowledge will contribute to optimizing biodiversity conservation in these regions. The project team  has deep expertise in these areas, including field experience and previous cooperation with local authorities.