Ricardo Rocha

Dr. Ricardo Rocha is an Associate Professor in Conservation Science and Tutorial Fellow at Jesus College, University of Oxford. He leads research addressing conservation challenges under global change, focusing on biodiversity restoration post-habitat loss, human-modified landscapes, and evidence-based decision-making. His work integrates ecological theory with large-scale field studies in tropical and island ecosystems.

Key research interests include taxonomic/functional responses to habitat fragmentation, secondary forest regeneration, and managing agricultural landscapes for biodiversity. He investigates invasive species impacts (e.g., cats, geckos) and ecosystem service provision, using methods like DNA metabarcoding and passive acoustic monitoring.

Dr. Rocha contributes to global conservation initiatives such as BioTIME 2.0 (biodiversity time series database) and the SOPWA project (sustainable oil palm in West Africa). His expertise spans tropical ecosystems, island biogeography, and interdisciplinary approaches to conservation.

He collaborates widely, publishing on bat ecology, invasive species dynamics, and conservation policy. Recent work emphasizes island systems (Madeira, São Tomé) and human-wildlife interactions in agricultural settings.