animal surveys

Animal surveys play a crucial role in wildlife management and conservation by providing valuable information on species distribution, population size, habitat use, and behaviour, which are critical for better decision-making. However, these surveys can be challenging, time-consuming, and expensive, especially in remote areas. Our long-range drones present an efficient and cost-effective alternative for collecting data on animal populations.

Uses
Distribution Maps
Distribution Maps

Form distribution maps of animal populations. These interactive maps represent detailed information in a clear and usable format.

Baiting Plan
Baiting Plan

Utilise a distribution map of pests to form a targeted baiting plan. Not only can this produce better results, but with less bait usage (and hence at a reduced cost).

Coordinated Hunting
Coordinated Hunting

The Ninox Robotics team can coordinate hunters on the ground to deal with target pests. The hunters can see a live stream from the drone.

Guided Helicopter Hunting
Guided Helicopter Hunting

Aquire distribution maps immediately prior to a helicopter hunt. Increase efficiency and reduce costs by guiding the helicopter straight to affected areas.

Thermal Imagery
Thermal Imagery

Thermal imagery facilitates the detection of animals. The heat animals emit can be observed - even when the animal is partially obscured by trees or scrub.

Monitor Livestock
Monitor Livestock

Cover large areas to keep track of livestock movement and their distribution.

Quantify Results
Quantify Results

By detecting animals before and after pest management programs, their effectiveness can be determined and compared.

Example Data

Conservation

Habitat mapping: Capture high-resolution images of the vegetation and terrain to identify habitat characteristics for animal species.

Population survey: Capture aerial images of animal populations to estimate population size, distribution and density.

Pest Management

Real time hunting: Live video stream combined with radio communication from our drone operators, allow for ground personnel to move to the specific locations of animals and take action.

Post-flight pest control: Collected data on the location of animals and their movement patterns for better decision-making. The information gathered also allows landholders to evaluate previous efforts at controlling pest populations.

Case Study

Moreton Bay Regional Council: Long-range drones for accurate and efficient data collection

Drone imagery showing a group of deer

Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC) manage an area of approximately 2037 km² north of Brisbane. Ninox Robotics worked closely with MBRC to detect and locate feral Rusa deer via aerial surveys with a quality thermal sensor. With Ninox on board, successful data collection is key to implementing effective control measures for biosecurity in the region.

Feral Rusa deer were sighted around several dams and creeks in the local area. Current methods proved time poor with less accurate data due to the deer movement in a single night,

Map showing deer locations

We covered a total area of approximately 42 km² over 2 nights, collecting thermal footage to compose a report showing deer locations and population counts. The thermal payload used also contains an electro-optical camera, This provides a different view which can help with species identification.

With this footage, MBRC are now able to implement suitable control measures. This cost effective approach will also enable future drone flights to compare previous data to confirm the successful and effective control measuares already in place.

SUMMARY

Key Points

Detection Range: up to 150km radius from the drone

Flight Speed: up to 120km/h

Video Type: thermal (LWIR/MWIR) and optical (RGB)

Mapping Resolution: up to 1 cm/pixel

Mapping Area Coverage: up to 20 km²/h

Wind Limitations: launch in up to 30 knots

Time Limitations: 24/7 operation with rotating teams

Equipment

  • Octopus Epsilon 180MG

  • Phase One iXM-RS150F

  • Riegl VUX-160

  • Sierra Olympia Vayu HD

  • Controp M-STAMP

  • Foxtech Map-A7R IV

  • Sony A7R

  • BlueBird SpyLite

If you are interested in utilising our services, or have any questions,
contact us at team@ninox-robotics.com, call 1300 377 977, or request a quote below.