Drones in ecological research

The aim of this project is assess the use of UAVs (drones) to collect biological and ecological data, from populations to communities and environmental features.

Detection of invasive alien pines in protected areas

We used drones to successfully collect data on the population of invasive pines (Pinus spp.) in a protected area in southern Brazil. This project is being developed together with Prof. Dr. Michele de Sá Dechoum and Dr. Sílvia R. Ziller.

Butia population assessment

We are using drones to count individuals, estimate area cover and monitor Butia catarinensis populations, a species that occurs in coastal ecosystems in Brazil.

Araucaria population assessment

Drones can be used to count individuals and estimate area cover of Araucaria trees, an endangered species that occurs in the highlands of southern Brazil. We are currently doing this in a protected area in order to include Araucaria population density / coverage in our analysis. This is a part of the Araucaria project.