Francisco Valera Hernández

Francisco Valera Hernández

PhD, Tenured Scientist

E-mail:  pvalera@eeza.csic.es

Address:

Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology

Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas
Crtra. de Sacramento s/n La Cañada de San Urbano, E-04120 Almería
Spain

Phone: +34 950 281045
Fax: +34 950 277100

Studies and affiliations

Since 2006: Tenured Scientist, Experimental Station of Arid Zones (Spanish Council for Scientific Research), Almería, Spain

2004-2005: Research Fellow, Ramón y Cajal Programme (granted by MEC) and Programme for Returning Scientists, (granted by Junta de Andalucía), Experimental Station of Arid Zones (Spanish Council for Scientific Research), Almería, Spain.

2002-2003: Hired Research Staff, Experimental Station of Arid Zones (Spanish Council for Scientific Research), Almería, Spain.

1999-2001: Hired Research Staff, National Natural Sciences Museum (Spanish Council for Scientific Research), Madrid, Spain.

1997-1998: Post-doc Fellow (granted by MEC), Konrad Lorenz Institute for Ethology (Austrian Academy of Sciences), Vienna, Austria.

1993-1995: Assistant and Associated Professor, Department of Animal Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, Granada University (Granada, Spain) and Department of Animal and Vegetal Biology and Ecology, Jaén University (Jaén, Spain).

1992: Post-doc Fellow (granted by Granada University), Konrad Lorenz Institute for Ethology (Austrian Academy of Sciences), Vienna, Austria.

1992: PhD, Department of Animal Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, Granada University, Granada, Spain.

1988-1991: Pre-doc Fellow (granted by MEC), Department of Animal Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, Granada University, Granada, Spain.

1988: Degree in Biology, Granada University, Granada, Spain. 

Research interests

Behavioural and evolutionary biology with main focus on:

* Evolution and ecology of host-parasite interactions, with particular emphasis on parasite specialization.

I am interested in exploring this topic both from the host and the parasite’s point of view. I consider the proximate mechanisms regulating host-parasite interactions, like host health status and ecological factors such as host size and sociability. I also pay attention to relevant features of the natural history of the parasite that are noteworthy to understand host-parasite relationships (e.g. diapause and environmental factors that influence it). In cooperation with Dr. A. Barbosa I am studying the effect of climate change on parasite distribution and host-parasite relationships.

* Sexual selection, the evolution of secondary sexual characters and intersexual conflicts.

My main interests are:

- Evolution of secondary sexual characters on both male and females and mutual mate choice.

- The nest as a secondary sexual character.

- Intersexual conflict: mate and brood desertion, extra-pair paternity and related male and female strategies (paternity assurance strategies, manipulation of information, male coercive strategies such as aggresion and punishment).

- Influence of ecological factors on extra-pair paternity rates.

* Interspecific interactions and its implications for conservation.

I study the consequences of interspecific interactions in terms of conservation. Human activity (specially agricultural practices) is also considered in relation to its influence on diet, foraging behaviour and breeding biology of birds in agroecosystems and expansive and regressive processes of birds.

Current Projects

Specialization and Speciation in Host-Parasite Relationships: Synchronization of Life Cycles and Allochronic Isolation. 2006-2007 (Main researcher: F. Valera)

Phenotypic Variability and Patterns of Connection among Populations of the Trumpeter finch Bucanetes githagineus. 2006-2008 (Main researcher: Dr. E. Moreno, EEZA, CSIC).

Host-Parasite Interactions and Immune Response in Three Species of Antarctic Penguins: Effect of Global Climate Change I. 2006-2008. (Main researcher: Dr. A. Barbosa, EEZA, CSIC).

Other Projects

The relationship between courtship feeding, life-history and sexual selection in the European roller, Coracias garrulus. In cooperation with Dr. R. Václav (Slovak Academy of Sciences) and Dr. A. Barbosa (EEZA, CSIC).

Estudio de una especie de reciente colonización, Bucanetes githagineus, indicadora de zonas áridas: ecogenética, ecomorfología, ecofisiología e implicaciones para su conservación. (Main researcher: Dr. E. Moreno, EEZA, CSIC).

Biodiversity and Conservation in Arid Zones. (Main researcher: F. Valera). 

Publications

Barrientos, R.,Kvist, L.,Barbosa, A.,Valera, F.,Khoury, F.,Varela, S.,Moreno, E. 2014. Refugia, colonization and diversification of an arid-adapted bird: Coincident patterns between genetic data and ecological niche modelling. Molecular Ecology, 23: 390-407.

Calero-Torralbo, M.A.,Vaclav, R.,Valera, F. 2013. Intra-specific variability in life-cycle synchronization of an ectoparasitic fly to its avian host. Oikos, 122: 274-284..

M. Amat,Calero-Torralbo, M.A.,Valera, F. 2013. Temperature during the free living phase of an ectoparasite influences the emergence pattern of the infective phase. Parasitology, 140: 1357-1367..

Valera, F.,Zidkova, L. 2012. Reproductive anatomy and fecundity estimation of the haematophagous ectoparasite Carnus hemapterus. Parasitology Research, 110: 1733-1739.

V. Vidal,J. Ortiz,Díaz, J.I.,Ruiz de Ybañez, M.R.,M. Amat,Palacios, M.J.,Benzal, J.,Valera, F.,de la Cruz, C.,Motas, M.,Barbosa, A. 2012. Gastrointestinal parasites in Chinstrap Penguins from Deception Island, South Shetlands, Antarctica. Parasitology Research, 111:723–727.

Hoi, H.,Kristin, A.,Valera, F.,Hoi, C. 2012. Traditional versus non-traditional nest-site choice: alternative decision strategies for nest-site selection. Oecologia, 169: 117-124.

Barbosa, A.,Palacios, M.J.,Valera, F.,Martínez, A. 2012. Geographic variation in beak colouration in Gentoo Penguins Pygoscelis papua. Polar Biology, 35: 725-731.

M. Amat,R. Václav,T. Martínez,Valera, F. 2012. Mixed life-history strategies in a local population of the ectoparasitic fly Carnus hemapterus. Parasitology, 139: 1045-1053.

Palacios, M.J.,Barbosa, A.,Valera, F. 2012. Experimental assessment of the effects of gastrointestinal parasites on offspring quality in Chinstrap Penguins (Pygoscelis antarctica).. Parasitology, 139: 819-824..

Jerez, S.,Motas, M.,Palacios, M.J.,Valera, F.,Cuervo, J.J.,Barbosa, A. 2011. Concentration of trace elements in feathers of three Antarctic penguins: geographical and inter-specific differences. Environmental Pollution, 159: 2412-2419..

Griggio, M.,Valera, F.,Casas-Crivillé, A.,Hoi, H.,Barbosa, A. 2011. White tail markings are an indicator of quality and affect mate preference in rock sparrows. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 65: 655-664.

Kvist, L.,Giralt, D.,Valera, F.,Hoi, H.,Kristin, A.,Darchiashvili, G.,Lovaszi, P. 2011. Population decline is accompanied by loss of genetic diversity in the Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor. Ibis, 153: 98-109..

Valera, F.,Martín-Hernández, R.,Higes, M. 2011. Evaluation of large-scale dissemination of Nosema ceranae spores by European bee-eaters Merops apiaster. Environmental Microbiology Reports, 3: 47-53.

Václav, R.,Valera, F.,Martínez, T. 2011. Social information in nest colonisation and occupancy in a long-lived, solitary breeding bird. Oecologia, 165: 617-627.

Valera, F.,Díaz-Paniagua, C.,Garrido, J.A.,Manrique, J.,Pleguezuelos, J.M.,Suárez, F. 2011. History and adaptation stories of the vertebrate fauna of southern Spain’s semi-arid areas. Journal of Arid Environments, 75: 1342-1351..

Palacios, M.J.,Barbosa, A.,Pedraza-Díaz, S.,Ortega-Mora, L. M.,Valera, F.,Cuervo, J.J.,Benzal, J.,De la Cruz, C. 2010. Apparent absence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Toxoplasma gondii in three species of penguins along Antarctic Peninsula. Antarctic Science, 22: 265-270.

Jerez, S.,Motas, M.,Benzal, J.,Martinez, A.,Valera, F.,Barbosa, A. 2010. Heavy metals and essentials elements in bones of three species of penguins from King George Island, Antarctica. Toxicology Letters, 196: 62-63..

Barrientos, R.,Kvist, L.,Barbosa, A.,Valera, F.,López-Iborra, G.,Moreno, E. 2009. Colonization patterns and genetic structure of peripheral populations of the trumpeter finch (Bucanetes githagineus) from Northwest Africa, the Canary Islands and the Iberian Peninsula. Journal of Biogeography, 36: 210-219.

Barrientos, R.,Valera, F.,Barbosa, A.,Carrillo, CM,Moreno, E. 2009. Plasticity of nest site selection in the trumpeter finch: a comparison between two habitats. Acta Oecologica, 35: 499-506.

Barrientos, R.,Barbosa, A.,Valera, F.,Moreno, E. 2009. Breeding parameters of the trumpeter finch at the periphery of its range: A case study with mainland expanding and island populations. Journal of Arid Environments, 73: 1177–1180.

Calero-Torralbo, M.A.,Valera, F. 2008. Synchronization of host-parasite cycles by means of diapause: host influence and parasite response to involuntary host shifting. Parasitology, 135:1343-1352.

Giralt, D.,Brotons, L.,Valera, F.,Kristin, A. 2008. The role of natural habitats in agricultural systems for bird conservation: the case of the threatened Lesser Grey Shrike.. Biodiversity and Conservation, 17: 1997-2012..

Vaclav, R.,Calero-Torralbo, M.A.,Valera, F. 2008. Ectoparasite load is linked to ontogeny and cell-mediated immunity in an avian host system with pronounced hatching asynchrony. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 94: 463-473.

Carrillo, CM,Valera, F.,Barbosa, A.,Moreno, E. 2007. Thriving in an arid environment: High prevalence of avian lice in low humidity conditions. Ecoscience, 14(2): 241-249.

Barrientos, R.,Barbosa, A.,Valera, F.,Moreno, E. 2007. Temperature but not rainfall influences timing of breeding in a desert bird, the trumpeter finch (Bucanetes githagineus). Journal of Ornithology, 148: 411-416.

Carrillo, CM,Moreno, E.,Valera, F.,Barbosa, A. 2007. Seed selection by the Trumpeter finch, Bucanetes githagineus. What currency does this arid land species value?. Annales Zoologici Fennici, 44:377-386.

Carrillo, CM,Barbosa, A.,Valera, F.,Barrientos, R.,Moreno, E. 2007. Northward expansion of a desert bird: Effects of climate change?. Ibis, 149: 166-169.

Barbosa, A.,Ortega-Mora, L.,Garcia-Moreno, F.T.,Valera, F.,Palacios, M.J. 2007. Southernmost record of the magellanic penguin Spheniscus magellanicus in Antarctica. Marine Ornithology, 35: 79.

Kristin, A.,Valera, F.,Hoi, H. 2007. Philopatry, dispersal patterns and nest-site reuse in Lesser Grey Shrikes (Lanius minor). Biodiversity and Conservation, 16: 987-995.

Kristin, A.,Valera, F.,Hoi, C.,Hoi, H. 2007. Do melanin-based tail patterns predict individual quality and sex in Lesser Grey Shrikes Lanius minor?. Journal of Ornithology, 148: 1-8.

Giralt, D.,Valera, F. 2007. Population trends and spatial synchrony in peripheral populations of the endangered Lesser Grey Shrike in response to environmental change. Biodiversity and Conservation, 16: 841-856.

Valera, F.,Martin-Vivaldi, M.,Carles-Tolrá, M. 2006. Life-history variation in three coexisting species of Carnid flies (Diptera: Carnidae), Carnus hemapterus, Hemeromyia anthracina and Hemeromyia longirostris. European Journal of Entomology, 103: 347-353.

Valera, F.,Hoi, H.,Kristin, A. 2006. Parasite pressure and its effects on blood parameters in a stable and dense population of the endangered Lesser Grey Shrike. Biodiversity and Conservation, 15: 2187-2195.

Valera, F. 2006. Limitación de recursos en zonas áridas y el papel fundamental de especies ingenieras de ecosistemas. En M. Yanes y J.M. Delgado: Aves Esteparias en Andalucía. Bases para su conservación, Manuales de Conservación de la Naturaleza, 3. Consejería de Medio Ambiente. Junta de Andalucía. Sevilla, pp. 28-29..

Valera, F. 2006. El nido del Pájaro Moscón. En M. Soler y colaboradores. Fauna en Acción. Guía para observar comportamiento animal en España., pp.201-204. Lynx Edicions. Bellaterra, Barcelona.

Valera, F.,Casas-Crivillé, A.,Calero-Torralbo, M.A. 2006. Prolonged diapause in the ectoparasite Carnus hemapterus (Diptera: Cyclorrhapha, Acalyptratae) – how frequent is it in parasites? . Parasitology, 133:171-178.

Moreno, E.,Carrillo, CM,Barbosa, A.,Valera, F. 2006. Camachuelo Trompetero. En M. Yanes y J.M. Delgado: Aves Esteparias en Andalucía. Bases para su conservación. Manuales de Conservación de la Naturaleza, 3. Consejería de Medio Ambiente. Junta de Andalucía. Sevilla, pp. 60-61.

Griggio, M.,Valera, F.,Casas-Criville, A.,Pilastro, A. 2005. Males prefer ornamented females: a field experiment of male choice in the rock sparrow. Animal Behaviour, 69: 1243-1250.

Valera, F.,Wagner, R.,Romero, M.,Gutiérrez, J.E.,Rey, P.J. 2005. Dietary specialization on high protein seeds by adult and nestling serins. Condor, 107:29-40.

Casas-Crivillé, A.,Valera, F. 2005. The European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) as an ecosystem engineer in arid environments. Journal of Arid Environments, 60:227-238.

Valera, F.,Hoi, H.,Darolová, A.,Kristofik, J. 2004. Size vs. health as a cue for host choice: a test of the Tasty Chick Hypothesis. Parasitology, 129: 59-68.

Hoi, H.,Kristin, A.,Valera, F.,Hoi, C. 2004. Clutch enlargement in Lesser Gray Shrikes (Lanius minor) in Slovakia when food is superabundant: a maladaptive response?. Auk, 121: 557-564.

Rey, P.J.,Alcántara, J.M.,Valera, F.,Sánchez-Lafuente, A.M.,Garrido, J.L.,Ramírez, J.M.,Manzaneda, A.J. 2004. Seedling establishment in Olea europaea. Seed size and microhabitat affect growth and survival. Ecoscience, 11: 310-320.

Valera, F.,Casas-Crivillé, A.,Hoi, H. 2003. Interspecific parasite exchange in a mixed colony of birds. Journal of Parasitology, 89: 245-250.

Valera, F.,Carrillo, CM,Barbosa, A.,Moreno, E. 2003. Low prevalence of haematozoa in Trumpeter finches Bucanetes githagineus from Southeastern Spain: additional support for a restricted distribution of blood parasites in arid lands . Journal of Arid Environments, 55: 209-213.

Valera, F.,Hoi, H.,Kristin, A. 2003. Male shrikes punish unfaithful females. Behavioral Ecology, 14: 403-408..

Romero, M.,Hoi, H.,Blomqvist, D.,Valera, F. 2002. Tail length and mutual mate choice in bearded tits (Panurus biarmicus). Ethology, 108: 885-896.

Sánchez-Lafuente, A.M.,Valera, F.,Godino, A.,Muela, F.J. 2001. Natural and human-mediated factors in the recovery and subsequent expansion of the Purple swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio. Biodiversity and Conservation, 10: 851-867.

Wirtitsch, M.,Hoi, H.,Valera, F.,Kristin, A. 2001. Habitat composition and habitat use in the Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor). Folia Zoologica, 50: 137-150.

Valera, F.,Kristin, A.,Hoi, H. 2001. Why does the Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) seldom store food?: determinants of impaling in an uncommon storing species.. Behaviour, 138: 1421-1436..

Alcántara, J.M:,Rey, P.J.,Sánchez-Lafuente, A.M.,Valera, F. 2000. Early effects of rodent post-dispersal seed predation on the outcome of the plant-seed disperser interaction. Oikos, 88: 362-370.

Kristin, A.,Hoi, H.,Valera, F. 2000. Breeding biology and breeding success of the Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) in a stable and dense population. Ibis, 142: 305-311.

Alcántara, J.M.,Rey, P.J.,Valera, F.,Sánchez-Lafuente, A.M. 2000. Factors shaping the seedfall pattern of a bird-dispersed plant. Ecology, 81: 1937-1950.

Hoi-Leitner, M.,Hoi, H.,Romero, M.,Valera, F. 1999. Female extra-pair behaviour and environmental quality in the Serin Serinus serinus: a test of the "constrained female hypothesis". Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B, 266: 1021-1026.

Hoi-Leitner, M.,Hoi, H.,Romero, M.,Valera, F. 1999. Multi-male display sites in serins (Serinus serinus). Ecoscience, 6: 143-147.

Sánchez-Lafuente, A.M.,Rey, P.J.,Alcántara, J.M.,Valera, F. 1999. Breeding system and the role of floral visitors in seed production of a "few-flowered" perennial herb, Paeonia broteroi. Ecoscience, 6: 163-172.

Kristin, A.,Valera, F.,Hoi, H.,Hoi, C. 1999. Foraging assemblages of birds in different olive plantations during the second half of March. Folia Oecologica, 26: 231-236..

Rey, P.J.,Valera, F. 1999. Diet plasticity in blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla): the ability to overcome nutritional constraints imposed by agricultural intensification. Ecoscience, 6: 429-438.

Valera, F.,Rey, P.J.,Sánchez-Lafuente, A.M.,Alcántara, J.M. 1999. El uso de herbicidas y la conservación del medio ambiente: efectos sobre la flora y la fauna. Control integrado de las malas hierbas. (ed. by C. Fernández-Quintanilla et al. & Phytoma S.A.). ISBN:84-921910-5-8, pp. 23-36..

Valera, F.,Schleicher, B.,Hoi, H. 1997. Egg burial in Penduline tits (Remiz pendulinus): its role in nest desertion and female polyandry. Behavioral Ecology, 8: 20-27.

Valera, F.,Gutiérrez, J.E.,Barrios, R. 1997. Effectiveness, biases and mortality in the use of apomorphine to determining the diet of granivorous passerines. Condor, 99: 765-772.

Schleicher, B.,Hoi, H.,Valera, F.,Hoi-Leitner, M. 1997. The importance of different paternity guards in the polygynandrous Penduline tit (Remiz pendulinus). Behaviour, 134: 941-959.

Alcántara, J.M.,Rey, P.J.,Valera, F.,Sánchez-Lafuente, A.M.,Gutiérrez, J.E. 1997. Habitat alteration and plant intra-specific competition for seed dispersers. An example with Olea europaea var. sylvestris. Oikos, 79: 291-300.

Rey, P.J.,Gutiérrez, J.E.,Alcántara, J.M.,Valera, F. 1997. Fruit size in wild olives: implications for avian seed dispersal. Functional Ecology, 11: 611-618.

Valera, F.,Rey, P.J.,Sánchez-Lafuente, A.M.,Alcántara, J.M. 1997. Efecto de los sistemas de laboreo sobre las aves. Agricultura de Conservación. Fundamentos agronómicos, medioambientales y económicos (ed. by L. García Torres & P. González). ISBN: 84-922489-0-4., pp. 225-242.

Schleicher, B.,Valera, F.,Hoi, H. 1996. Seasonal change in female mate choice criteria in Penduline tits (Remiz pendulinus). Ardeola, 43: 19-29.

Hoi, H.,Schleicher, B.,Valera, F. 1996. Nest size variation and its importance for mate choice in Penduline tits (Remiz pendulinus). Animal Behaviour, 51: 464-466.

Hoi, H.,Schleicher, B.,Valera, F. 1994. Female mate choice and nest desertion in Penduline tits (Remiz pendulinus): the importance of nest quality. Animal Behaviour, 48: 743-746..

Schleicher, B.,Valera, F.,Hoi, H. 1993. The conflict between nest guarding and mate guarding in Penduline tits (Remiz pendulinus). Ethology, 95: 157-165.

Valera, F.,Rey, P.J.,Sánchez-Lafuente, A.M.,Muñoz-Cobo, J. 1993. Expansion of Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulinus) through migration and wintering. Journal für Ornithologie, 134: 273-282.

Sánchez-Lafuente, A.M.,Rey, P.J.,Valera, F.,Muñoz-Cobo, J. 1992. Past and current distribution of the Purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) in the Iberian Peninsula. Biological Conservation, 61: 23-30.

Valera, F.,Sánchez-Lafuente, A.M.,Rey, P.J.,Muñoz-Cobo, J. 1990. The situation of Penduline tit (Remiz pendulinus) in southern Europe: a new stage of its expansion. Journal für Ornithologie, 131: 413-420.