Just Accepted
This article has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. It is in production and has not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.
Drone surveys cause less disturbance than ground-based surveys in endangered spectacled flying-foxes (Pteropus conspicillatus)
Abstract
Robust population estimates are critical for detecting biodiversity declines. Thermal drones offer a promising alternative to invasive, imprecise ground-based techniques for monitoring endangered spectacled flying-foxes (Pteropus conspicillatus). This study evaluated spectacled flying-fox behavioural responses to drones to address concerns they will disturb roosting colonies. At two studied roosts, drones elicited minimal disturbance, whereas ground-based surveys triggered alarm and escape responses, particularly among unhabituated flying-foxes. These findings highlight thermal drones as a non-invasive tool for monitoring spectacled flying-foxes. Further research is needed to evaluate their accuracy and precision compared to ground counts.
AM25010 Accepted 19 March 2025
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