Mihails Pupins

Mihails Pupins is a Doctor of Biology (Ecology) and Lead Researcher at Daugavpils University in Latvia, where he works in the Department of Ecology within the Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies. He leads the Laboratory of Nature Conservation and IT-Ai Solutions and has been affiliated with Daugavpils University since March 2007.

Dr. Pupins' educational background includes:

• June 2004 - June 2009: Doctoral studies at Daugavpils University focusing on 'Ecology of Emys orbicularis in Latvia'
• June 1995 - June 1998: Studies at Daugavpils Pedagogical University focusing on 'Reptilia and Amphibia zoocultures in education'
• April 1994 - May 1994: Studies at Daugavpils Pedagogical Institute focusing on 'Emys orbicularis in Latvia'

Dr. Pupins specializes in herpetology, with particular expertise in Latvian herpetofauna, invasive species, aquaculture, and herpetoculture. His research focuses on invasive and alien turtles (particularly Trachemys scripta), invasive fish Perccottus glenii and its parasites in Latvia, parasites of amphibians, and the breeding and restoration of rare herpetofauna populations and biotopes, especially the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis). His work often involves bioclimatic modeling to understand species distributions under climate change scenarios.

His extensive publication record (148 publications with 796 citations) demonstrates significant contributions to understanding invasive species impacts, conservation of native herpetofauna, and the effects of climate change on species distributions. His recent work has focused on modeling the distribution of native and invasive species under current and future climate scenarios, with particular attention to European pond turtles, invasive fish, and amphibians across Eastern Europe.

Dr. Pupins collaborates extensively with researchers across Europe, particularly on projects related to invasive species, conservation biology, and climate change impacts on herpetofauna. He has developed monitoring manuals for amphibians and reptiles in Latvia and has contributed to conservation strategies for threatened species.