BrainMap

Raluca Ioana Bancila

Scientific researcher II

Researcher - INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA''

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: U-4552-2019

Curriculum Vitae (05/04/2020)

Expertise & keywords

Predicting the response of alpine communities to global changes Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de cercetare exploratorie - PCE-2021
PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-0818 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://alpchange.ecoportal.ro/

Abstract:

Mountains are a highly heterogeneous, dynamic, yet increasingly vulnerable terrestrial environment undergoing rapid changes. Mountain regions have warmed considerably over the last century, and future temperature increases are expected at high altitudes, making alpine species particularly suitable for tracing climate-change impacts. The project Alp-Change will be conducted in Retezat National Park and will assess and predict shifts in the distributional range size and changes in the structure of alpine populations and communities caused by direct effects of human activities (i.e. fish stocking of alpine lakes, tourism and grazing) and indirect effects of environmental stressors (i.e. climate change).

The specific objectives of Alp-Change are to integrate available historical biodiversity occurrence data and human impacts in a georeferenced database, document human-induced altitudinal range shifts and changes in life history traits of selected species and taxa, evaluate changes in the taxonomic and functional components of alpine biodiversity over time, assess the spread and impact of alien species, develop predictive species distribution models incorporating climate variables and life history parameters, and, identify the most appropriate indicators for a long-term monitoring program. The practical outputs of the project will be the proposal of a long-term monitoring program and a set of measures to mitigate threats to alpine biodiversity.

Patterns of subterranean biodiversity in natural and artificial ecosystems Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - TE-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-1047 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA''

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA'' (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.natartvoid.com

Abstract:

Subterranean artificial cavities (e.g. tunnels, mines, rupestrian settlements) have similar characteristics to natural voids, such as caves. These artificial cavities have been shown to provide habitats for wildlife and harbour high species richness. Moreover, rupestrian settlements have both natural and culturale value. Despite the contribution of artificial cavities to subterranean biodiversity no study investigated yet, differences in biodiversity and life history characteristics between caves and artificial subterranean ecosystems (ASE). Thus, the aim of the project is to study patterns and drivers of biodiversity in natural (i.e. caves) and ASE. The specific objectives of the project are to document: (1) patterns of taxonomic, genetic and functional diversity, species community structure and composition, and spatial distribution of invertebrates in caves and AES, and what environmental factors influence these patterns; (2) how communities turnover vary between caves and ASE and what environmental factors mediate the turnover; (3) what are the differences in life-history characteristics, such as microhabitat fidelity and immigration and emigration probabilities, between caves and ASE; (4) whether ASE have conservation value. The project will significantly improve on our understanding of the role played by ASE to provide substitute habitats for the conservation of subterranean biodiversity in the context of increasing human pressures on subterranean ecosystems.

Interactive tool for estimating abundance of wildlife populations Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-1965 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://ccmesi.ro/?page_id=2194

Abstract:

Estimating species abundance is one of the most challenging and important question in wildlife management. To obtain data on wildlife population, two field methods are widely used worldwide: traditional mark-recapture techniques, where every detected individual can be uniquely identified, and occupancy-type modeling, where individuals cannot be uniquely identified. Data for occupancy-type analyses can be obtained by sign surveys and camera traps. Sign and camera traps are easy to deploy, however, they require rigorous sampling protocols and advanced statistical analyses, e.g. via R software platform, package „unmarked”. R platform is widely used for ecological modeling, however, complex methods such as those included in „unmarked” package can be explored only by modelers with very good programming skills and a throughout understanding of hierarchical analysis of population data. The scope of the WildPop proposal is to improve wildlife estimation in Romania by developing, testing, and deploying a user-friendly interactive tool for population assessment based on data collected by scientists and citizen and state of the art hierarchical models. Apart from other projects, ones that have as an objective the monitoring of wildlife, our work aims to evaluate the outcomes of wildlife estimation projects, evaluate weaknesses and strengths of using occupancy-type modeling in Romania, and to construct a streamlined workflow for estimating wildlife abundance and occupancy using remote cameras and transects. Wildlife practitioners will have a reliable framework for planning and deploying robust animal monitoring programs and produce practical conservation measures with minimal associated costs.

Long-term wildlife population trends in a protected area: predicting and managing effects of climate change and tourism Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2019-1233 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA''

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA'' (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA'' (RO)

Project website: http://www.popmon.iser.ro/index.html

Abstract:

Long-term ecological research has never been more important for addressing today’s most difficult environmental challenges, such as species population declines, increase human presence and pressure on natural systems and the ongoing climate change. Histria Archaeological Complex (HAC) is a strictly protected area of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, Romania and encompasses an archaeological site closed to public and the antique ruins open for tourism. HAC provides habitat to three snake (Dolichophis caspius, Natrix tessellata and N. natrix) and one turtle species (Testudo graeca). All three snake species have been studied by capture-recapture (CR) using PIT-tags for nine years. T. graeca has been followed using photographic CR for seven years. While past CR studies on reptiles within HAC were done with less accuracy (lack of a robust design, spatial encounter history and of a standardized length of the sampling period), the data provides a solid base for developing a long-term monitoring program (LTMP). With this project we aim to: (i) continue, improve and standardize the CR methods used for the LTMP of the four reptile species; (ii) integrate the available and the new data and document populations demography and dynamics; (iii) project future population trajectories under different climate scenarios; (iv) estimate the tourism impact on population viability; and (v) propose conservation and management measures to protect the species in long term under the ongoing climate change and increase tourist pressure. The project will (i) yield one of the few suitable datasets for reliable modelling of the reptile species demography and population dynamics, (ii) reveal long-term population trends, (iii) increase our understanding on the structure and dynamics of population experiencing long term tourist pressure and different climate change scenarios and (iv) inform sound management measures for declining reptile populations.

Tools for modeling processes at the interface between water, soil, plants and air in order to promote the sustainable management of groundwater dependent ecosystems and their integrating river basins Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0721 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU PEDOLOGIE, AGROCHIMIE SI PROTECTIA MEDIULUI - ICPA BUCURESTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU PEDOLOGIE, AGROCHIMIE SI PROTECTIA MEDIULUI - ICPA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE STATISTICA MATEMATICA SI MATEMATICA APLICATA AL ACADEMIEI ROMANE''GHEORGHE MIHOC - CAIUS IACOB' (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "VALAHIA" TARGOVISTE (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO)

Project website: http://inter-aspa.ro/index.html

Abstract:

Seven institutional partners from four Romanian development regions joined in a consortium focused on the following priorities: “The sustainable administration of water resources, river basins and wetlands, and “the development of scientific knowledge in the field of air, water and soil, including their interfaces”. The goal of INTER-ASPA project is to create an innovation environment able to support over multiple strategic cycles the disciplinary, inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary research of processes at the interface between air, soil, plants and air. The general objectives of the project are: 1) To manage the integration of research directions, infrastructure and human resources within the cluster of institutions to generate basic and applied knowledge about interface processes, 2) To produce a toolbox for environmental services supporting the integrated management of water, soil and biological diversity resources in Romania, 3) To open and manage communication channels with the end-users of the project’s products and to develop web accessible information systems. The correlated program of institutional development has a modular structure, covering aspects from strategic level to the tactical level of infrastructure and human resource formation, and to the operational level of four research projects. One project is mono-disciplinary in hydrogeology, one is inter-disciplinary, and two are trans-disciplinary, oriented towards societal and economic issues. We will produce 29 environmental services in level 2-4 of readiness, 2 software programs, all transferred to end-users. Sixteen end-users have provided support letter for the project.

Mobilitate cercetător Raluca Ioana Bancila Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de mobilitate pentru cercetatori, 2019
PN-III-P1-1.1-MC-2019-0945 2019 - 2019

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA''

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA'' (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA'' (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Distribution, occupancy, site selection for breeding and life history of troglophile species in hypogean versus epigean habitats Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-1536 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA''

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA'' (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA'' (RO)

Project website: http://www.doslfthe.iser.ro

Abstract:

The study of hypogean environments provide important scientific insights into the biological, ecological and evolutionary processes required to assess the impact of current abrupt climate change on biodiversity. Troglophiles species can be of particular interest for focusing on ecological and evolutionary processes since comparing related populations or species that occur in contrasting habitats is a very powerful way to get insights about the ecological limiting factors and evolutionary processes. The fire salamander, Salamandra salamandra is a widespread amphibian species in Europe, characteristic of broad-leaf forests that occasionally occurs in hypogean environments. The project aims to: 1) document the distribution of S. salamandra in caves and epigean habitats; 2) estimate the occupancy and breeding probability and their response to cave and surface habitat features for S. salamandra; 3) evaluate the cave induced changes on life history traits and cave fitness consequences of S. salamandra and 4) assess whether the S. salamandra life history traits variation is a plastic or adaptive response to cave environment. The project outputs will provide significant insights in identifying the drivers of the biological, ecological and evolutionary processes of troglophile species which is crucial for assessing vulnerability of cave dwelling-organisms and broadly species adaptations to the ongoing changes in the global environment.

Is range limited by life history, environmental conditions or biogeographical barriers? A study case using spadefoot toads (genus Pelobates). Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0173 2011 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Universitatea Ovidius Constanta

Project partners: Universitatea Ovidius Constanta (RO)

Affiliation: Universitatea Ovidius Constanta (RO)

Project website: http://www.pelobates.ro

Abstract:

The spadefoot toads (genus Pelobates) are highly specialized species with a narrow ecological niche. Two related species occur in Romania and while their ranges are mostly allopatric, they overlap in southeastern Romania at their limit: northern limit for P. syriacus and southern limit for P. fuscus. The present project will link habitat and life-history data of the two related species in their area of sympatry to prevent their rapid decline by promoting sound conservation measures. The goals are to quantify the differences in life history between the two species, to evaluate habitat use and tolerance to aridity and salinity, and to predict range and range shifts. There are six work-packages. The first four are actual data providers: (i) geo-referenced past and present distribution database, (ii) field-studies for mapping species distribution, habitat use and habitat requirements, population structure, trophic niche and reproductive success, (iii) experimental studies of tadpole metamorphosis and post-metamorph growth rates, (iv) laboratory analysis of age structure and morphometrics. The last two work-packages will analyze and integrate the results, model species distribution and population viability and elaborate a conservation action plan. The study will integrate a variety of methods and techniques in the effort to understand past and present changes in distribution range and predict future changes under different scenarios.

project title Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de mobilitate pentru cercetatori
PN-III-P1-1.1-MC-2018-0681 2018 -

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA''

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA'' (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA'' (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

project title Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de mobilitate pentru cercetatori
PN-III-P1-1.1-MC-2017-1500 2017 -

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA''

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA'' (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA'' (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Adaptive strategies in amphibians under environmental stress Call name: P 3 - SP 3.1 - Proiecte de mobilități, România-Belgia (bilaterale)
PN-III-P3-3.1-PM-RO-BE-2016-0005 2016 -

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO); Universite de Liege (BE); INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA'' (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE SPEOLOGIE ''EMIL RACOVITA'' (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Proiectul urmăreşte estimarea impactului schimbărilor climatice globale asupra unor specii-model de amfibieni. Speciile selectate diferă prin caracteristicile ciclului de viață și modul de folosire al habitatului. Aceasta va permite generarea unor predicții pertinente referitoare la modul în care organismele sunt capabile să reacționeze la modificări de mediu. Vom evalua în special modificările intervenite atât în parametrii caracteristici ai ciclului de viață (metamorfoză, creștere, supraviețuire), cât și în parametrii comportamentali (tipare comportamentale, utilizarea habitatului, îngropare, dispersie). Proiectul este constituit din patru pachete de lucru: (i) efectul aglomerării asupra larvelor de amfibieni; (ii) caracterizarea tiparelor comportamentale la broaşte săpătoare în condiţii distincte de mediu; (iii) efectul mediului de origine (hipogeu vs. epigeu) asupra creşterii la larve de salamandre; (iv) impactul salinităţii în stadii incipiente de dezvoltare. Complementaritatea în expertiză a partenerilor va permite o abordare unitară. Toate experimentele planificate sunt originale și privesc organisme puțin cunoscute până în prezent din cauza modului de viață criptic (fosorial sau hipogeu). Experiența anterioară a laboratoarelor noastre în lucrul cu aceste specii și folosirea unor tehnologii moderne (urmărirea nocturnă a activității folosind lumina infra-roșie, video-tracking-ul și interpretarea computerizată a imaginilor) va spori valoarea rezultatelor.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects