Biologically inspired herding of animal groups by robots

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(2), P. 478 - 486

Published: Jan. 2, 2023

Abstract A single sheepdog can bring together and manoeuvre hundreds of sheep from one location to another. Engineers ecologists are fascinated by this herding because the potential it provides for ‘bio‐herding’: a biologically inspired animal groups robots. Although many algorithms have been proposed, most studied via simulation. There variety ecological problems where management wild is currently impossible, dangerous and/or costly humans manage directly, which may benefit bio‐herding solutions. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) now deliver significant benefits economy society. Here, we suggest use UAVs bio‐herding. Given their mobility speed, be used in wide range environments interact with at sea, over land air. We present roadmap achieving using pair UAVs. In our framework, UAV performs ‘surveillance’ groups, informing movement second that herds them. highlight promise flexibility paired approach while emphasising its practical ethical challenges. start describing types experiments data required understand individual collective responses Next, describe how develop appropriate algorithms. Finally, integration into software hardware architecture.

Language: Английский

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Escape responses of terrestrial and aquatic birds to drones: Towards a code of practice to minimize disturbance

Journal of Applied Ecology, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 57(4), P. 777 - 785

Published: Jan. 28, 2020

Abstract Advances in human technology can lead to widespread and rapid increases interactions between wildlife potentially disturbing stimuli. The recreational use of drones is increasing, yet laws codes practice which aim manage deleterious impacts (e.g. negative with wildlife) are reactionary, unscientific inadequate. One prominent potential effect interacting birds disturbance; the disruption normal states caused by responses such as escape. We measure avian escape an approaching drone ( n = 561 across 22 species) inform development a code drone‐induced disturbance. Approaches were made at relatively high low altitude (10 4 m), different take‐off distances, both candidate prescriptions for practice. Flight‐initiation distance varied species, but not altitudes tested. probability eliciting response was high, 14.6% higher lower (at 88.4% overflies resulted response). Our rates (from terrestrial aquatic than those reported other places, most water or seabirds. itself (<20%) when >40 m away, decreased further increasing from birds, no escapes occurring >120 m. Policy implications. For our sample, closer 100 m, flight within would eliminate vast majority birds. Required separation distances may exceed required activities, walkers.

Language: Английский

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Integrating UAV Technology in an Ecological Monitoring System for Community Wildlife Management Areas in Tanzania

Sustainability, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 11(21), P. 6116 - 6116

Published: Nov. 3, 2019

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have recently emerged as a new remote sensing platform, and they are seemingly advancing real-time data generation. Nonetheless, considerable uncertainties remain in the extent to which wildlife managers can integrate UAVs into ecological monitoring systems for their habitats. In this review, we discuss recent progress gaps UAV use conservation management. The review notes that there is scanty information on of medium-to-large mammals found groups heterogeneous We also explore need technology be integrated habitats topographically-challenging community wildlife-management areas, complementary platform traditional techniques. Based its ability provide high-resolution images real-time, further experiments wider spatiotemporal scale important. experimentation outputs will make very reliable addresses challenges facing conventional

Language: Английский

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Going Batty: The Challenges and Opportunities of Using Drones to Monitor the Behaviour and Habitat Use of Rays

Drones, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 5(1), P. 12 - 12

Published: Feb. 2, 2021

The way an animal behaves in its habitat provides insight into ecological role. As such, collecting robust, accurate datasets a time-efficient manner is ever-present pressure for the field of behavioural ecology. Faced with shortcomings and physical limitations traditional ground-based data collection techniques, particularly marine studies, drones offer low-cost efficient approach range coastal environments. Despite being widely used to monitor animals, they currently remain underutilised ray research. innovative application environmental studies has presented novel opportunities observation assessment, although this emerging faces substantial challenges. we consider possibility rays using drones, face challenges related local aviation regulations, weather environment, as well sensor platform limitations. Promising solutions continue be developed, however, growing potential drone-based monitoring behaviour use rays. While barriers enter may appear daunting researchers little experience technology becoming increasingly accessible, helping obtain wide highly useful data.

Language: Английский

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Collecting baleen whale blow samples by drone: A minimally intrusive tool for conservation genetics

Molecular Ecology Resources, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 4, 2024

Abstract In coastal British Columbia, Canada, marine megafauna such as humpback whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae ) and fin Balaenoptera physalus velifera have been subject to a history of exploitation near extirpation. While their populations in recovery, significant threats are posed these vulnerable species by proposed natural resource ventures this region, addition the compounding effects anthropogenic climate change. Genetic tools play vital role informing conservation efforts, but associated collection tissue biopsy samples can be challenging for investigators disruptive ongoing behaviour targeted whales. Here, we evaluate minimally intrusive approach based on collecting exhaled breath condensate, or respiratory ‘blow’ samples, from baleen using an unoccupied aerial system (UAS), within Gitga'at First Nation territory genetics. Minimal behavioural responses sampling technique were observed, with no response detected 87% time (of 112 UAS deployments). DNA whale blow n = 88 samples) was extracted, profiles consisting 10 nuclear microsatellite loci, sex identification mitochondrial (mt) haplotypes constructed. An average 7.5 loci per individual successfully genotyped. The success rates mtDNA assignment 80% 89% respectively. Thus, method used describe genetic diversity generate identification. results research demonstrate potential UAS‐collected genetics remote location.

Language: Английский

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Evaluating the Efficacy and Optimal Deployment of Thermal Infrared and True-Colour Imaging When Using Drones for Monitoring Kangaroos

Drones, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 4(2), P. 20 - 20

Published: May 27, 2020

Advances in drone technology have given rise to much interest the use of drone-mounted thermal imagery wildlife monitoring. This research tested feasibility monitoring large mammals an urban environment and investigated influence flight parameters environmental conditions on their successful detection using infrared (TIR) true-colour (RGB) imagery. We conducted 18 flights at different altitudes Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. Eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) were detected from TIR (n=39) RGB orthomosaics (n=33) manual image interpretation. Factors that predicted images identified unbiased recursive partitioning. Drone-mounted achieved overall 73.2% success rate 67.2% when compared on-ground counts kangaroos. showed was influenced by vegetation type, whereas time day deployed, weather conditions. Kangaroo highest grasslands, not successfully shrublands. are effective detecting peri-urban environments.

Language: Английский

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From Coastal to Montane Forest Ecosystems, Using Drones for Multi-Species Research in the Tropics

Drones, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 6(1), P. 6 - 6

Published: Dec. 25, 2021

Biodiversity monitoring is crucial in tackling defaunation the Anthropocene, particularly tropical ecosystems. However, field surveys are often limited by habitat complexity, logistical constraints, financing and detectability. Hence, leveraging drones technology for species required to overcome caveats of conventional surveys. We investigated prospective methods wildlife using four surveyed waterbird populations Pulau Rambut, a community ungulates Baluran endemic non-human primates Gunung Halimun-Salak, Indonesia 2021 DJI Matrice 300 RTK Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual with additional thermal sensors. then, consecutively, implemented two survey at three sites compare efficacy against traditional ground each species. The results show that drone provide advantages over surveys, including precise size estimation, less disturbance broader area coverage. Moreover, heat signatures helped detect which were not easily spotted radiometric imagery, while detailed imagery allowed identification. Our research also demonstrates machine learning approaches relatively high performance detection. prove promising different ecosystems forests.

Language: Английский

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Miniaturization eliminates detectable impacts of drones on bat activity

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 13(4), P. 842 - 851

Published: Jan. 21, 2022

Abstract Advances in operational simplicity and cost efficiency have promoted the rapid integration of unoccupied aerial vehicles (UAVs) into ecological research, yet UAVs often disturb wildlife, potentially biasing measurements. Studies UAV effects on wildlife to date focused trajectory or distance; however, size noise could be critical variables influencing responses. Bats are cryptic species that difficult survey using conventional means, so we tested effectiveness drone‐based acoustic surveys for bats. We recorded number bat detections with without a present. used three small, commercial rotary varying intensity (249, 907, 1,380 g). Larger louder deterred significantly more bats, no effect take‐off distance activity. The smallest quietest model had similar change activity compared control Drone increased drone size, but all drones emitted range frequencies overlapped larger were also those most impacted by UAV. During 5‐minute surveys, there was evidence habituation although bats returned quickly once ended. urge researchers consider during surveys. Smaller quieter models negligible impacts eliminating impact some cases.

Language: Английский

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Flight speed and time of day heavily influence rainforest canopy wildlife counts from drone-mounted thermal camera surveys

Biodiversity and Conservation, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 31(13-14), P. 3179 - 3195

Published: Oct. 22, 2022

Abstract The payload size and commercial availability of thermal infrared cameras mounted on drones has initiated a new wave in the potential for conservationists researchers to survey, count detect wildlife, even most complex habitats such as forest canopies. However, several fundamental design methodological questions remain be tested before standardized monitoring approaches can broadly adopted. We test impact both speed drone flights diel flight period tropical rainforest canopy wildlife detections. Detection identification rates differ between speeds time. Overall ~ 36% more detections were made during slower speeds, along with greater ability categorize taxonomic groups. Flights conducted at 3am resulted 67% compared 7am (the lowest detection rate). 112% could identified group – due types being assistance RGB camera. Although, this technology holds great promise carrying out surveys structurally poorly known ecosystems like canopies, there is do further testing, building automated post-processing systems. Our results suggest that studies same habitat types, animal densities, off by multiples if flown different times and/or speeds. difference an alarming 5-6x variation or depending changes these two factors alone.

Language: Английский

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Unmanned aerial vehicles as a useful tool for investigating animal movements

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 13(5), P. 969 - 975

Published: Feb. 20, 2022

Abstract Determining animal abundance is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of management measures against pest animals. Meanwhile, investigating movements has become important conducting estimations unmarked animals since random encounter model (REM) was published. REM a camera trapping method that derives density by using contact ratio between traps and targeted randomly move at certain speed in given area. However, it requires an independent value, which speed. For speed, with video recording GPS tagging are commonly used tools. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) currently wildlife monitoring to investigate target species. It evaluated as tool non‐invasive suitable surveys inaccessible landscapes. Considering these characteristics, we regarded distant survey this technology movements. Therefore, proposed estimating UAVs conducted case study aimed wild boars' We collected 11 samples successfully followed boars from 26 UAV flights total, average their derived all 1.54 km/24 hr. found issues can be improved, including species identification, sample length, behaviours or activity patterns. On other hand, our showed potential applying specific characteristics body size, shape With improvements mentioned above, would alternative

Language: Английский

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