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Unmanned aircraft systems in wildlife research: current and future applications of a transformative technology
Author(s) -
Christie Katherine S,
Gilbert Sophie L,
Brown Casey L,
Hatfield Michael,
Hanson Leanne
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
frontiers in ecology and the environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.918
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1540-9309
pISSN - 1540-9295
DOI - 10.1002/fee.1281
Subject(s) - drone , wildlife , safer , recreation , strengths and weaknesses , computer science , environmental resource management , systems engineering , aeronautics , engineering , environmental science , ecology , computer security , epistemology , biology , philosophy , genetics
Unmanned aircraft systems ( UAS ) – also called unmanned aerial vehicles ( UAV s) or drones – are an emerging tool that may provide a safer, more cost‐effective, and quieter alternative to traditional research methods. We review examples where UAS have been used to document wildlife abundance, behavior, and habitat, and illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of this technology with two case studies. We summarize research on behavioral responses of wildlife to UAS , and discuss the need to understand how recreational and commercial applications of this technology could disturb certain species. Currently, the widespread implementation of UAS by scientists is limited by flight range, regulatory frameworks, and a lack of validation. UAS are most effective when used to examine smaller areas close to their launch sites, whereas manned aircraft are recommended for surveying greater distances. The growing demand for UAS in research and industry is driving rapid regulatory and technological progress, which in turn will make them more accessible and effective as analytical tools.