Spy in the sky: Application of thermal drones to assist with ground darting wildlife

Autor: Shannon P. Finnegan, William Dunker, Nathan J. Svoboda, Sarah Rauchenstein
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Wildlife Society Bulletin, Vol 48, Iss 4, Pp n/a-n/a (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2328-5540
DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1560
Popis: Abstract Telemetry studies allow scientists to track animal movements and study species ecology without direct visual observation. Fitting telemetry devices requires physical or chemical capture and restraint of animals. Ground darting is a commonly used technique to capture cervids but locating animals to dart and finding individuals post induction remains a challenge. Here we present an application of using thermal imaging drones to help locate, ground dart, and monitor target animals to ensure safe immobilization. We immobilized 10 free‐ranging Sitka black‐tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis), 8 of which were captured with the assistance of the thermal drone. The utilization of drones in wildlife ground darting operations can increase safety and efficiency, and reduce risk to researchers and study subjects.
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