Doctorate Nayara Bucair: PhD at University of São Paulo, Brazil
Nayara Bucair is a passionate marine scientist and conservationist with expertise in oceanography, environmental sustainability, and the study of marine megafauna, particularly mobulid rays. She combines fieldwork, underwater photography, and advanced data analysis to investigate species distribution, behavior, and taxonomy. Nayara’s work contributes to marine biodiversity conservation efforts, focusing on Brazilian and Atlantic Ocean ecosystems, and she is committed to raising awareness about the threats these species face.
Online Profiles
Nayara maintains active online profiles on professional and academic platforms such as ResearchGate and LinkedIn, where she shares her research findings, publications, and project updates. She collaborates closely with conservation organizations like the Marine Megafauna Foundation and Projeto Mantas do Brasil. These platforms allow her to connect with other researchers, engage in scientific discourse, and contribute to global marine conservation initiatives.
Education
Nayara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography from the Federal University of Rio Grande, Brazil (2005–2010), where she developed strong foundations in marine sciences, data collection, and ecological studies. In 2021, she completed a Post-graduate program in Environment and Sustainability at Fundação Getúlio Vargas, Brazil, accumulating 432 hours of specialized coursework focused on environmental policies, sustainable development, and ecological impact assessment.
Research Focus
Her research primarily centers on the taxonomy, ecology, and conservation of marine megafauna, with an emphasis on mobulid rays such as manta and devil rays. Nayara uses integrative approaches combining field observations, genetic analysis, and spatial modeling to better understand species diversity, behavior, and the effects of human activities. Her work supports the development of conservation strategies and marine protected areas.
Experience
Nayara’s professional experience spans several roles including Research Assistant at the Marine Megafauna Foundation in Mozambique (2017), where she participated in field data collection and species monitoring. From 2015 to 2017, she managed underwater photography projects at All Angle Images in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, documenting marine biodiversity. In 2020, she volunteered as a researcher in European Copernicus environmental programs focused on remote sensing and water quality assessment. Throughout her career, Nayara has combined scientific research with practical conservation efforts.
Research Timeline
Since 2015, Nayara has been actively engaged in marine megafauna research and conservation projects in Brazil and Mozambique. She contributed to data collection, analysis, and publication of scientific articles that have influenced marine biodiversity conservation policies. From fieldwork and photographic documentation to publishing peer-reviewed studies, her work has consistently advanced the understanding of mobulid ray species and their habitats.
Awards & Honors
Nayara has earned recognition within the marine science community for her contributions to the study and conservation of marine megafauna. While specific awards are not detailed here, her work has been featured in reputable international journals, and she has received support and collaborations from leading conservation NGOs, reflecting her standing in the field.
Top-Noted Publication
Her 2025 publication, “An integrative taxonomy investigation unravels a cryptic species of Mobula Rafinesque, 1810 (Mobulidae, Myliobatiformes), from the Atlantic Ocean,” published in Environmental Biology of Fishes, stands out as a landmark study. This research sheds light on previously unrecognized species diversity within mobulid rays, providing crucial information for taxonomy and conservation efforts, and showcasing Nayara’s role in advancing marine biodiversity knowledge.
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An integrative taxonomy investigation unravels a cryptic species of Mobula Rafinesque, 1810 (Mobulidae, Myliobatiformes), from the Atlantic Ocean
Environmental Biology of Fishes (2025)
DOI: 10.1007/s10641-025-01727-2
This study reveals a previously unknown cryptic species within the Mobula genus in the Atlantic Ocean, using integrative taxonomic methods combining morphology and genetics. Contributors include Nayara Bucair, Silvia Hinojosa-Alvarez, Andrea Denise Marshall, and others. -
Occurrence, distribution and threats to mobulid rays in Brazil: A review and updated database
Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems (2024)
DOI: 10.1002/aqc.4203
This comprehensive review updates the distribution records and conservation status of mobulid rays in Brazilian waters, highlighting ongoing threats. Authors include Bucair, Mendonça, Santos, and colleagues. -
Opportunistic sightings of manta rays on Brazil’s Amazon Coast
Journal of Fish Biology (2024)
DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15593
Documenting rare manta ray sightings on the Amazon Coast, this article expands knowledge of their range and behavior in understudied regions. Contributors include Bucair, Dias, Nunes, and others. -
The complete mitochondrial genome of the endangered Atlantic Pygmy Devil Ray, Mobula hypostoma (Bancroft, 1831), from Brazil
Molecular Biology Reports (2024)
DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09982-9
This research presents the full mitochondrial genome sequencing of Mobula hypostoma, providing valuable genetic data for conservation efforts. Contributors include Nayara Bucair, Amana Garrido, Kátia Capel, and others. -
Evidence of mating scars in female tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) at the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazilian Equatorial Atlantic
Environmental Biology of Fishes (2023)
DOI: 10.1007/s10641-022-01380-z
This paper documents physical evidence of mating behavior in female tiger sharks, offering insights into reproductive biology. Contributors include Bianca S. Rangel, André S. Afonso, Nayara Bucair, and others.