Biologist and researcher of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Alberto Ucero, native of Lanzarote, has recently obtained the title of doctor with the qualification of outstanding and the mention cum laude by the Autonomous University of Madrid. This achievement positions him as one of the few conejeros specialized in the Canarian ecosystems who reaches this academic level.
Ucero's doctoral thesis, entitled Habitat selection and anthropogenic impact on the Canary houbara (Chlamydotis undulata fuertaventurae), was developed at the National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN), belonging to the CSIC, and co-directed by Research Professor Juan Carlos Alonso and Dr. Carlos Palacín. The work focused on the study of habitat selection and the effects of human activities on the Canary houbara, an endemic species in danger of extinction, and was carried out thanks to a University Staff Training (FPU) contract granted by the Ministry of Universities.
During his doctorate, Ucero published several articles in prestigious international scientific journals and collaborated as co-author in other studies. He also participated in different research projects and in the drafting of technical reports. In addition, he stood out for his commitment to scientific dissemination, attending conferences and publishing in specialized media, and with social dissemination, through initiatives carried out with the local population and collaborations in media.
For Alberto Ucero, the study of the Canarian ecosystems is key to implement effective conservation measures and raise awareness among society about the value of island biodiversity, highlighting endemic and endangered species, as is the case of the Canary houbara.
Looking ahead, Ucero will continue working on the study of this emblematic species at the CSIC. He also hopes that the information obtained during his research will contribute to the development and implementation of the Canary Houbara Recovery Plan, currently being prepared by the Biodiversity Service of the Government of the Canary Islands.
With his outstanding scientific work, Alberto Ucero is consolidated as "a reference in the study and conservation of the Canarian ecosystems, reinforcing the importance of research in the preservation of the natural heritage of the islands".
