Research Scientist and Associate Professor
Serving Since
Humberto L. Perotto was born and raised in La Paz, Bolivia. He graduated with a B.Sc. in Agronomy (1995) from Universidad Mayor de San Simon in Cochabamba, Bolivia. In 1998, Humberto was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to come to the United States and he obtained his M.Sc. in forestry (2000) and his Ph.D. in Rangeland Ecology and Management (2005) from Texas A&M University.
Humberto’s interest are landscape ecology, biodiversity and bioinformatics. His research focuses on the role of spatial patterns and processes as related to ecosystem functions and ecosystem services at multiple scales and the development of data infrastructure for the distribution of spatial data in the areas of conservation and management of natural resources. Humberto’s research focuses on improving the understanding of how processes (e.g. human activities, grazing behavior) interact with spatial patterns (e.g. vegetation, soils, land use) and consequently affect ecosystem function. One important area of his research is the linkage between scale, spatial structure and connectivity. His previous research included the identification of relevant scales and its influence on habitat connectivity for species with small yet widely dispersed habitats and habitat changes due to high intensity-low frequency disturbances. He is currently working on two areas (1) the spatial distribution of invasive grass species and its potential impact on wildlife habitat, and (2) the development of methodologies and approaches for the use of drone technology in rangeland ecology and management.
The development, implementation and web-based distribution of spatial data infrastructure have been a significant component of his international research portfolio, particularly in developing countries. In 2004, He created the Bolivian Natural Resources Digital Center and in 2013 in collaboration with the Museo de Historia Natural Noel Kempff Mercado (Santa Cruz, Bolivia), the Geospatial Center for Biodiversity was launched. Humberto 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.
Humberto joined The Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute in June 2015, after a great international work experience in Puerto Rico (University of Puerto Rico – Rio Piedras), United Kingdom (Cranfield University), and Bolivia (Museo de Historia Natural Noel Kempff Mercado).
Research Interest
Habitat patterns and processes
Landscape connectivity
Landscape spatial and temporal dynamics
Rangelands
Scale
Courses Taught
- Landscape Ecology, Texas A&M University – Kingsville, Graduate level
- Landscape Ecology, Texas A&M University – Kingsville, Undergraduate level
- Remote sensing for wildlife and habitat studies, Texas A&M University – Kingsville, Graduate level
- Landscape Ecology, Cranfield University (United Kingdom), Graduate level.
- Remote Sensing, Cranfield University, (United Kingdom), Graduate level.
- Cartography, Remote Sensing and GIS, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (Bolivia), Graduate level.
- Landscape Ecology. Institute of Ecology. Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (Bolivia), Graduate level.
Updated Publications List:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Humberto_Perotto-Baldivieso