Clelia Gasparini

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Clelia Gasparini is a leading behavioral and evolutionary ecologist whose research explores the interplay between predation, reproduction, and animal behavior, with a particular focus on invasive species and sexual selection. Her most-cited work, "Ecology of fear in highly invasive fish revealed by robots" (2021, 26 citations), demonstrates her innovative use of robotic predators to study how perceived predation risk—the "ecology of fear"—affects the invasive mosquitofish. This landmark study reveals that even brief exposure to a robotic predator triggers long-lasting carryover effects, including reduced routine activity, feeding, and fertility in both sexes, ultimately impairing survival and ecological impact. Gasparini’s work uniquely bridges robotics, behavioral ecology, and invasion biology, providing mechanistic insights into how fear shapes population dynamics. Her contributions have significant implications for understanding and managing invasive species, and her use of cutting-edge technology has set a new standard for experimental approaches in animal behavior. With a growing citation record and a reputation for creative, interdisciplinary research, Gasparini is a rising figure in evolutionary ecology.