Drones and wildlife monitoring - is it a good idea? | Yee Von Teo | TEDxHobart

Summary

The speaker discusses the advantages of using drones in wildlife conservation. Traditional fieldwork can be chaotic and cumbersome, but drones offer a more efficient and accurate method for monitoring species like kangaroos, wallabies, and elephants. Drones can cover difficult terrain, capture real-time imagery, and reduce human error. While there are some challenges, such as weather conditions and interactions with birds, the use of drones is revolutionizing field biology. The speaker highlights how this technology, combined with machine learning, is transforming the conservation efforts of wildlife populations, offering a more effective approach to data collection.

Takeaways

• 🌅 Field biologists often work early mornings, balancing tools like notebooks, GPS units, and spotlights to conduct wildlife surveys.
• 🚁 Using drones for wildlife monitoring streamlines the process, allowing biologists to observe animals without carrying heavy equipment or walking long distances.
• 🦘 Drones help biologists study wildlife, such as wallabies and other macropods, making surveys more efficient and accurate.
• 📊 Drones are equipped with aerial photography systems and GPS, making it easier to gather data from hard-to-reach locations.
• 🐘 Drones have been used in wildlife conservation, such as in Kenya, where their buzzing sound deters elephants from entering farmland.
• 🐋 Studies show that large sea mammals like whales exhibit little to no behavioral change when approached by drones, while some land mammals and birds may be more sensitive.
• 🎥 Drone surveys offer real-time data collection and provide a permanent visual record, increasing accuracy in wildlife identification and monitoring.
• 🌧️ Weather conditions, such as rain or wind, can limit the use of drones, and certain animals may hide under trees or rocks, which can obscure drone footage.
• 🔭 Thermal imaging can be mounted on drones to detect warm-blooded animals, even when they are hidden in dense vegetation.
• 🦅 Some birds, like wedge-tailed eagles, can become territorial and attack drones, but this can be mitigated by careful timing and flight planning.

Q & A

What challenges do field biologists face when conducting traditional wildlife surveys?

Field biologists often conduct surveys in difficult conditions, such as early morning in winter. They need to carry equipment like notebooks, GPS units, and spotlights while navigating challenging terrain and trying to observe animals, which can be chaotic and exhausting.

How does drone technology change the process of conducting wildlife surveys?

Using drones allows biologists to conduct surveys remotely, without having to walk long distances while carrying equipment. Drones can be controlled via pre-programmed flight paths, allowing biologists to stay stationary and monitor from a distance.

What are some types of drones commonly used for wildlife surveys?

There are four major types of drones: fixed-wing, single-rotor helicopters, multirotor, and fixed-wing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drones. Multirotor drones are the most commonly used for wildlife surveys due to their versatility and ease of control.

Why are drones beneficial for wildlife conservation?

Drones provide a cost-effective and safer way to survey wildlife, allowing researchers to collect data from hard-to-reach areas. They reduce the need for ground surveys, can carry imaging and GPS equipment, and create permanent records of observations.

How do animals typically respond to drones?

Responses vary by species. Sea mammals like whales show little reaction, while some land mammals, like elephants, may respond to drone sounds by moving away. Birds' reactions also vary; some are unbothered, while larger birds or flightless birds may show sensitivity.

What specific behavioral changes have been observed in wallabies and kangaroos when drones are used?

Studies have found that forested kangaroos are more likely to flee from drones when flown at lower altitudes. For Bennett's wallabies and Tasmanian pademelons, sound rather than size or color of the drone affects their behavior, with 50 to 60 meters being the optimal altitude for minimal disturbance.

What are the limitations of using drones for wildlife surveys?

Drones are limited by weather conditions, such as rain or wind. They also provide only a two-dimensional view, which may miss animals hiding under cover. Additionally, drones can disturb birds during breeding seasons or be attacked by territorial birds.

How can drone technology be adapted to improve data collection in wildlife surveys?

Thermal imaging cameras can be mounted on drones to detect warm-blooded animals, even in two-dimensional views. This can help identify animals hidden under trees or rocks, enhancing the accuracy of surveys.

What are some ethical considerations when using drones for wildlife monitoring?

It's important to consider how drone sounds and presence might disturb animals, particularly during sensitive times like breeding seasons. Operators should also be mindful of flight altitudes to minimize disturbance to wildlife.

How has drone technology changed the field of animal ecology?

Drone technology has transformed animal ecology by providing new methods for data collection, making it easier and more efficient to monitor wildlife populations. It allows for continuous monitoring and more accurate data collection, contributing to better wildlife conservation strategies.