Welcome to …

the Tropical Large-Scale Ecology Lab (TLSELab) at the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras. Tropical landscapes are complex, and we are interested in understanding the origin of this complexity, as well as its consequences for the diversity and functioning of ecosystems. We explicitly recognize the role of space in the organization of ecosystems whether at local or regional scales, and the possibility for interactions between them largely facilitated by the increasing influence of humans on landscapes. Our research has contributed to: (1) the fields of Landscape Ecology and Macro-ecology, (2) the development of tools and techniques for the study of landscapes, ecosystem processes, and communities at large scales, (3) the application of this knowledge to the conservation, management, and restoration of tropical landscapes, (4) the education of local communities through “Informal Science Programs” (see Outreach), and (5) the advancement of women and underrepresented groups in Science (see Research).