Shai Meiri Lab - vertebrate evolution, biogeography and conservation

We are interested in various aspects of the evolution and ecology of terrestrial vertebrates, especially reptiles.

We develop and curate global datasets of reptile species traits and geographic ranges (the latter with the GARD working group) and use comparative methods to assess the relationship between species’ natural history, morphology, ecology, ecophysiology and life history and their biotic and abiotic environment.

We further develop and apply novel methods for assessing extinction risk, conservation needs, and conservation prioritisation. Mostly, we use macroecological and biogeographic approaches, but also conduct field surveys and studies, and lab experiments to answer similar questions at lower spatial and phylogenetic scales.

Major research themes of the lab include reptile and vertebrate macroecology, reptile natural history, phylogeny and taxonomy of Middle Eastern reptiles and mammals, reptile ecophysiology, and island biogeography.