Dimaris Colón Molina

My research project for the PhD focuses on using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) to monitor behavioral responses of waterbirds and to monitor wetlands in the Caribbean. Using GIS techniques, including NDVI-based habitat classification for coastal habitats, the project maps waterbird foraging habitats. Additionally, a comparative analysis of drone-based and ground-based survey methods evaluates data quality and species behavior under different survey approaches. The project aims to develop low-disturbance monitoring that links bird population assessments to habitat conditions, supporting conservation planning and coastal habitat management across the Caribbean.