Evaluating Thermal and Color Sensors for Automating Detection of Penguins and Pinnipeds in Images Collected with an Unoccupied Aerial System

Drones, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 6(9), P. 255 - 255

Published: Sept. 15, 2022

Estimating seabird and pinniped abundance is central to wildlife management ecosystem monitoring in Antarctica. Unoccupied aerial systems (UAS) can collect images support monitoring, but manual image analysis often impractical. Automating target detection using deep learning techniques may improve data acquisition, different sensors affect detectability model performance. We compared the performance of automated models based on infrared (IR) or color (RGB) tested whether IR images, training that included annotations non-target features, improved For this assessment, we collected paired RGB nesting penguins (Pygoscelis spp.) aggregations Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) with a small UAS at Cape Shirreff, Livingston Island (60.79 °W, 62.46 °S). trained seven independent classification Video Image Analytics for Marine Environments (VIAME) software created an open-access R tool, vvipr, standardize assessment VIAME-based found addition had no clear benefits given available data. Nonetheless, generally high penguin provided encouraging results further improving from surveys.

Language: Английский

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Evaluating Thermal Infrared Drone Flight Parameters on Spider Monkey Detection in Tropical Forests

Sensors, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 24(17), P. 5659 - 5659

Published: Aug. 30, 2024

Geoffroy's spider monkeys, an endangered, fast-moving arboreal primate species with a large home range and high degree of fission-fusion dynamics, are challenging to survey in their natural habitats. Our objective was evaluate how different flight parameters affect the detectability monkeys videos recorded by drone equipped thermal infrared camera examine level agreement between coders. We used generalized linear mixed models impact speed (2, 4, 6 m/s), height (40, 50 m above ground level), angle (-45°, -90°) on monkey counts closed-canopy forest Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. results indicate that none three affected number detected monkeys. Agreement coders "substantial" (Fleiss' kappa coefficient = 0.61-0.80) most cases for thermal-contrast zones. study contributes development standardized protocols, which essential obtain accurate data presence abundance wild populations. Based our results, we recommend performing surveys other medium-sized mammals small commercial at 4 m/s speed, 15 canopy height, -90° angle. However, these recommendations may vary depending size noise produced model.

Language: Английский

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Imperfect detection and wildlife density estimation using aerial surveys with infrared and visible sensors

Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 9(2), P. 222 - 234

Published: Sept. 27, 2022

Abstract Aerial vehicles equipped with infrared thermal sensors facilitate quick density estimates of wildlife, but detection error can arise from the sensor and viewer video. We reviewed published research to determine how commonly these sources have been assessed in studies using video aerial platforms sample wildlife. The number annual articles pertaining sampling thermography has increased drastically since 2018, past inconsistently imperfect detection. illustrate importance accounting for some types a case study on white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus Indiana, USA, simple double‐observer approach. In our study, we found evidence false negatives associated Additionally, that concordance between detections two viewers when red‐green‐blue camera paired sensor, altitude decreased more stringent criteria were used classify signatures as deer. encourage future managers ecologists recording use methods account viewer‐induced is manually viewed by humans. also recommend combining reduce positives, applying verification standards collecting data at lower altitudes over snow needed.

Language: Английский

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Using Drones with Thermal Imaging to Estimate Population Counts of European Hare (<em>Lepus europaeus</em>) in Denmark

Published: Oct. 20, 2022

Drones equipped with thermal cameras have recently become readily available, broadening the possibilities for monitoring wildlife. The European hare (Lepus europaeus) is a nocturnal mammal that closely monitored in Denmark due to populations declining since mid-1900s. limitations of current population assessment methods, such as spotlight counts and hunting game statistics, could be overcome by relying on drone surveys imaging counts. aim this study was investigate use DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced tool Danish population. Multiple test flights were conducted over agricultural areas spring 2022, testing various flight altitudes, camera settings, recording methods. used suggest method identifying counting hare. applied methodology then evaluated through case survey had an area 242 ha. Hare detected at altitudes up 80 m it possible fly low 40 without observing direct behavior changes. Thermal images taken these also provided enough detail differentiate between species animal body size proved good indicator. confirmed based identify conduct counts, thus, indicating suggested viable alternative traditional

Language: Английский

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Detecting spider monkeys from the sky using a high-definition RGB camera: a rapid-assessment survey method?

Biodiversity and Conservation, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 31(2), P. 479 - 496

Published: Jan. 6, 2022

Language: Английский

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Drone Observation for the Quantitative Study of Complex Multilevel Societies

Animals, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(12), P. 1911 - 1911

Published: June 8, 2023

Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) have recently been used in various behavioral ecology studies. However, their application has limited to single groups, and most studies not implemented individual identification. A multilevel society refers a social structure which small stable “core units” gather make larger, multiple-unit group. Here, we introduce recent applications of drone technology identification complex structures involving multiple such as societies. Drones made it possible obtain the identification, accurate positioning, or movement more than hundred individuals In addition, drones facilitate observation heterogeneous spatial positioning patterns mechanisms propagation, are different from those single-level Such findings may contribute quantitative definition assessment societies enhance our understanding group aggregation. The species resolve questions related

Language: Английский

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A simple mechanism for uncrewed aircraft bioaerosol sampling in the lower atmosphere

Landscape Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 39(8)

Published: July 22, 2024

Abstract Context Understanding the movement of bioaerosols, such as spores and pollen, through atmosphere is important for a broad spectrum landscape research, including agricultural fungal outbreaks pollen threats to public health. As can be transported in air over large distances, use aircraft has historically played role detecting mapping their presence lower atmosphere. Objectives We present simple alternative costly specialized associated equipment that are typically used study Methods 3D printable components common lab supplies mounted on an uncrewed (UA). Conveniently, this setup does not require additional electronic control collection during flight, using UA landing gear mechanism instead. Results demonstrate apparatus collect describe potential impacts by environment experimental protocol efficiency. These include effects of: (1) competing airflows from rotors, flight trajectories, wind, (2) altitude, (3) particle size Petri dish medium. Conclusions Complex biological mechanisms atmospheric dynamics dictate release, transport, deposition bioaerosols. Economical methods sample bioaerosols increase amount type data collected unlock new understanding. The methodology presented here provides economical method help improve landscape-level understanding dispersal

Language: Английский

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Development of a global thermal detection index to prioritize primate research with thermal drones

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: Nov. 14, 2024

Thermal Infrared (TIR) drones are emerging as effective tools for wildlife ecology monitoring and increasingly employed in primate surveys. However, systematic methods assessing detectability lacking. We present a comprehensive approach utilizing novel Detection Index (TDI) to evaluate the potential of TIR monitoring. developed TDIs 389 species, considering activity patterns, locomotion types, body mass, densities, habitat utilization, sleeping behaviors during diurnal nocturnal Through integration with primates' distribution climatic variables (average annual temperature, precipitation, wind speed), we established Global TDI Suitability Score aimed at pinpointing species regions most compatible drone-based Atelidae, Cercopithecidae, Indridae showed highest values, suggesting their suitability TIR-drone identified optimal Africa, Asia Latin America drones, driven by favorable ecological conditions, high diversity. local factors regulatory frameworks also influence drone survey feasibility, necessitating careful consideration prior implementation. Overall, our study provides valuable framework prioritizing monitoring, facilitating targeted conservation efforts advancing research.

Language: Английский

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Integration of IoT With Robotics and Drones

Advances in computational intelligence and robotics book series, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 33 - 54

Published: Dec. 13, 2024

This chapter explores the synergistic integration of internet things (IoT) with robotics and drones, highlighting how this convergence is revolutionizing industrial operations capabilities. It delves into mechanisms through which IoT devices sensors enhance autonomy, efficiency, intelligence robotic systems enabling real-time data exchange analysis. The discusses implementation for advanced monitoring, predictive maintenance, seamless operational control, illustrating its impact practical examples across various sectors. also addresses challenges scalability, security, interoperability, presenting forward-looking strategies to navigate these hurdles. By emphasizing transformative potential in augmenting capabilities underscores pivotal role driving innovation excellence digital age.

Language: Английский

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Cost-effectiveness of thermal imaging for monitoring a cryptic arboreal mammal

Wildlife Research, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 48(7), P. 625 - 634

Published: June 18, 2021

Context The development of reliable and cost-efficient survey techniques is key to the monitoring all wildlife. One group species that presents particular challenges for arboreal mammals. Traditional detecting these often yield low detection probabilities (detectability) are time-consuming, suggesting potential novel methods enhance our understanding their distribution, abundance population trajectories. technique has been shown increase detectability in a range terrestrial thermal imaging, although it rarely applied species. true conservation status Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) uncertain because under typical techniques, more suitable method required enable effective species, making an ideal candidate present study. Aims We aimed compare success cost-effectiveness surveys utilising imaging with two traditional methods, namely, spotlighting daytime surveys, so as optimise D. lumholtzi. Methods conducted at 10 sites Queensland (Australia) where lumholtzi was known occur, by using each method, modelled both technique. Key results Detectability significantly higher use than other cost-effective. In average conditions trained observer, single-visit estimated 0.28 [0.04, 0.79] transect through rainforest, imaging. Using only spotlights, probability 0.03 [0, 0.28] same conditions. Conclusions These show incorporating technology into will greatly lumholtzi, cryptic mammal. Implications Our study highlighted utility difficult-to-detect complex habitats, including exist mainly dense forest canopy.

Language: Английский

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