Dr Catia Matos
Dr Catia Matos profile photo

Dr Catia Matos

Lecturer in Biological Sciences

School of Environmental and Life Sciences · University of Hull

I work on spatial ecology in disturbed landscapes, with a focus on how species respond behaviourally and ecologically to environmental change. My research combines ecology, conservation, GIS, and remote sensing to support long-term biodiversity strategies.

Email Google Scholar ORCID LinkedIn

About

I am a lecturer in Biological Sciences at the University of Hull and currently lead the MSc Environmental Change, Management and Monitoring programme.

My research aims to provide new insights into how species adapt and modify their behaviour in response to drivers of environmental change, enabling the development of long-term conservation strategies. I am also interested in using GIS and remote sensing applications to support efforts addressing biodiversity decline.

I work with multidisciplinary groups and contribute to open data projects, integrating ecology with innovative communities including consulting companies and science labs.

Before joining the University of Hull in 2022, I worked at the University of Azores, the University of Hull Scarborough Campus, and the University of Porto. I completed my PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Hull in 2018.

Research

My work sits at the intersection of ecology, landscape change, and conservation planning. I am particularly interested in how species move through fragmented or human-altered environments, and how spatial tools can inform better conservation decisions.

Research Interests

Spatial Ecology Movement Ecology Ecological Modelling Connectivity Conservation GIS Remote Sensing

Current Themes

  • Species behaviour and adaptation under environmental change
  • Landscape connectivity in fragmented and urbanising regions
  • GIS and remote sensing applications for biodiversity assessment
  • Spatial approaches to long-term conservation planning

Selected Publications

Landscape connectivity and spatial prioritization in an urbanising world: A network analysis approach for a threatened amphibian
C. Matos, S.O. Petrovan, P.M. Wheeler, A.I. Ward · Biological Conservation · 2019
Short-term movements and behaviour govern the use of road mitigation measures by a protected amphibian
C. Matos, S.O. Petrovan, P.M. Wheeler, A.I. Ward · Animal Conservation · 2019
Facilitating permeability of landscapes impacted by roads for protected amphibians: patterns of movement for the great crested newt
C. Matos, S. Petrovan, A.I. Ward, P. Wheeler · PeerJ · 2017
Local segregation of realised niches in lizards
N. Sillero, E. Argaña, C. Matos, M. Franch, A. Kaliontzopoulou, M.A. Carretero · ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information · 2020
Spatial analysis of amphibian road mortality levels in northern Portugal country roads
C. Matos, N. Sillero, E. Argaña · Amphibia-Reptilia · 2012
View full publication list

Teaching & Leadership

I am Programme Director of the MSc Environmental Change, Management and Monitoring.

I also lead undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in GIS and Remote Sensing, supporting students in developing spatial and analytical approaches to environmental science.

Professional Service

Associate Editor for Ecological Solutions and Evidence at the British Ecological Society.

Member of the British Ecological Society and the IUCN Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group.