Insects are one of the most diverse and species-rich taxonomic groups, containing about half of all species that have so far been scientifically described. Furthermore, insects act as collectors of environmental DNA, as they feed from plants, mushrooms, and other organisms in their surrounding. By applying Insect Malaise traps, we capture a large portion of the insect diversity above ground, providing us a comprehensive sample of the DNA of these insects, as well as the DNA of their gut-contents and parasites.

When we think of biodiversity, we often think of the charismatic species of animals and plants that we experience during a forest walk. However, there is much more to biodiversity than what meets the eye; there is a mind-staggering diversity below our feet in the soil. Most recent estimates come to the conclusion that more than half of the species on this planet live in the soil. To capture this large part of a site's diversity, we apply soil core samplers that reach up to 40cm below the surface. These soil samples provide a glimpse into a largely hidden but incredibly complex ecosystem, containing DNA of the rich fungal, invertebrate, and plant species communities that can be found below the surface.

With approximately 13,000 wildfires occurring each year in Spain and burning more than 100,000 hectares annually, wildfire prevention has become a critical priority. One of the main techniques used to reduce wildfire risk is prescribed burning. Prescribed burning is a land management strategy that involves the controlled removal of dead biomass in forests. This is achieved either by burning dry debris on the forest floor or by reducing the continuity between low vegetation and the tree canopy through the controlled burning of shrubs.
During my PhD stay in Spain, I had the opportunity to participate in one of these prescribed burns. In Spain, prescribed burning operations are carried out by firefighters. They carefully select strategic areas where fuel reduction will help limit the potential spread and intensity of future wildfires. For more pictures, see here.