Dr Manuel Esperon-Rodriguez

I am an urban and plant ecologist at Bangor University, working at the interface of ecology, ecophysiology, and spatial modelling to understand how global change shapes plant performance, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience. My research focuses on how climate change, environmental heterogeneity, and land-use change influence vegetation dynamics across both urban and natural systems.

A central theme of my work is assessing the vulnerability of trees and forests to climate stressors such as heat, drought, and extreme events. I combine large-scale spatial datasets, trait-based approaches, and predictive modelling to identify species, functional traits, and environmental conditions that determine resilience or risk. This includes developing frameworks to evaluate climate risk and guide species selection, with applications spanning urban forests, restoration, and managed landscapes.

My research contributes to improving the sustainability and resilience of ecosystem services provided by forests under global change. By integrating physiological responses, biodiversity patterns, and future climate projections, I aim to support management and policy decisions that enhance carbon storage, ecosystem functioning, and long-term vegetation persistence.