The Research Journey of Dr. Virginia Sanz D’Angelo (1964–2024): A Legacy Realized.
By: Wilber Bernay-Alfonzo
Centro de Ecología, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Altos de Pipe, Miranda state, Venezuela
We are proud to announce the publication of the paper by Dr. Virginia Sanz D’Angelo (1964–2024) et al., “Patterns of Beetle (Coleoptera) Diversity in Arid Environments of Margarita Island, Venezuela.” released on February 14, 2026. This work stands as a testament to Virginia’s passion and dedication to her research. Although she is no longer with us, her devoted team felt a deep responsibility to bring her findings to light, ensuring that her contributions to the field are recognized and celebrated.
https://jibs.modares.ac.ir/article_28228.html
In this context, together with her team composed of Abimel Moreno, Génesis Yánez, and Wilber Bernay, along with multiple collaborators, she led a multidisciplinary project aimed at assessing the vulnerability of the arid ecosystems of Macanao to environmental degradation caused by extractive activities, particularly open-pit sand mining.
Dr. Virginia Sanz D’Angelo developed much of her scientific career at the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research (IVIC), where she worked for nearly two decades and reached the rank of Senior Researcher III. Her investigations opened a wide spectrum of interests and lines of knowledge that encompassed the ecology and conservation of terrestrial and aquatic birds, the study of parasites in birds, the ecology of migratory species, the effects of microplastics on birdlife, trophic networks, frugivory and seed dispersal, land-use change, habitat connectivity, the design of protected areas, and environmental education. The state of Nueva Esparta especially captured her professional interest and inspired diverse research questions aimed at understanding both patterns of diversity and biological interactions, as well as transformations of the insular landscape. This scientific effort generated valuable contributions to the conservation of the natural spaces of Margarita Island and its biological diversity, while also providing study models applicable to other systems and localities with limited information.
Dr. Virginia Sanz distinguished herself through the rigor and quality of her studies, carried out in different regions of the country, and through her significant contributions to the conservation of Venezuelan biodiversity.
Orbituary: https://jco.birdscaribbean.org/index.php/jco/article/view/1421/1060