SYDNEY: Elusive Australian species may no longer evade detection by researchers, with the help of new drone tracking technology.
Researchers from the Australian National University (ANU) have teamed up with colleagues from the University of Sydney to develop a drone system for locating radio-tagged wildlife. The drone, believed to be a world-first tracker of this type, was successfully tested in the field by locating bettongs at Mulligan’s Flat, a woodland wildlife sanctuary in Canberra.
Fitting endangered wildlife with radio trackers or GPS devices is a commonplace method in ecology research, and a vital part of conservation practices in sanctuaries.
“You can understand what it is that the animal needs, so that you’re in a better position to be able to protect those elements of the environment that are important for their survival,” says ANU ecologist Dr Debbie Saunders, who was lead researcher of the drone development project.
But trekking after radio-tagged animals is challenging and time-consuming. Sometimes it means pushing through nearly impenetrable undergrowth, and at other times rocks can block the signal.
“What it entails is carrying around a one-to-two kilo receiver system, and holding an aerial in your hand up above your head,” Debbie explains. “Your arm gets tired very quickly, and you sometimes have to do it for hours to find an individual, depending on how difficult the terrain is.”
Tesla driverless system to use updated radar technology
WASHINGTON: Electric carmaker Tesla announced Sunday it was upgrading its Autopilot software to use more advanced radar technology. In a...
