S1. Drone Design and DevelopmentS2. Networks and CommunicationsS3. Guidance, Navigation, and ControlS4. Artificial Intelligence Applications for DronesS5. Drones in Rangelands, Agriculture, and ForestryS6. Drones in Security and DefenseS7. Drones in Geospatial IndustryS8. Emerging Applications of Drones
Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Texas A&M University, USA
Humberto Perotto, Ph.D., joined the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management in 2023. Prof. Perotto’s research focuses on the effect of rangeland cover spatial configuration in ecological processes at multiple scales. His research also includes the analysis of the spatial and temporal dynamics of invasive plant species in rangelands. Additionally, he seeks to improve the understanding of how processes (e.g., human activities, grazing behavior) interact with spatial patterns (e.g., vegetation, soils, land use) and consequently affect wildlife habitat and ecosystem function. His work includes the use of drones to assess vegetation cover, spatial structure, forage mass estimation, and wildlife aerial surveys.
The development, implementation, and web-based distribution of spatial data infrastructure has been a significant component of Prof. Perotto’s international research portfolio, particularly in developing countries. In 2004, he created the Bolivian Natural Resources Digital Center. In collaboration with Museo de Historia Natural Noel Kempff Mercado (Santa Cruz, Bolivia), the Geospatial Center for Biodiversity was launched in 2013.
Prof. Perotto has been part of research teams in the U.S., U.K., Bolivia, and Puerto Rico with successful outcomes and contributions in the fields of rangeland ecology, wildlife ecology, livestock–wildlife interactions, and their integration at different scales. He is currently Associate Editor for the journals Ecological Processes and Rangeland Ecology and Management.