Aerial VHF tracking of wildlife using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV): comparing efficiency of yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) nest location methods
Chris G. Muller A B D , B. Louise Chilvers A , Zane Barker C , Kelvin P. Barnsdale C , Phil F. Battley B , Rebecca K. French B , Josh McCullough C and Fred Samandari CA Wildbase, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
B Wildlife and Ecology Group, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
C Spatial Engineering Research Centre, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
D Corresponding author. Email: cmuller@technologist.com
Wildlife Research 46(2) 145-153 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR17147
Submitted: 20 October 2017 Accepted: 26 November 2018 Published: 12 February 2019
Abstract
Context: Locating cryptic animals is an important aspect of many wildlife management programs and research studies. However, this process can be inefficient, time-consuming and expensive. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) or drones fitted with a camera are increasingly being used for counting and monitoring wildlife; however, these are often not suitable for cryptic species. Very high-frequency (VHF) radio-tracking is commonplace; however, single-channel VHF receivers mean that animals must be tracked individually, or scanning receivers must be used; but this raises the possibility of signals being missed.
Aims: We aimed to test the effectiveness of aerial VHF tracking using a multi-channel receiver for locating wildlife.
Methods: We tracked wildlife fitted with VHF transmitters operating on individual frequencies, by means of a UAV with a multi-channel VHF receiver to simultaneously monitor all frequencies. This offered distinct advantages over traditional single-channel scanning receivers. To test and compare this novel method, yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes) were located on nests hidden under vegetation on Enderby Island in the New Zealand subantarctic, using manual ground searching, unassisted ground VHF tracking, as well as using location flights by the UAV Drone Ranger system.
Key results: The UAV system allowed for faster nest location than did all other methods, with a higher cumulative success (number of nests found each day) and lower search effort required (person hours per nest).
Conclusions: Aerial VHF tracking can greatly extend the search range and minimise search effort compared with ground VHF tracking or manual searching.
Implications: This technology has applications for locating and tracking a wide range of wildlife, particularly cryptic species that may be difficult to find using other methods.
Additional keywords: animal tracking, Argos satellite, drone, GPS, positioning, transmitter, unmanned aircraft system (UAS), VHF telemetry, wildlife management.
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