A small unmanned aerial system for estimating abundance and size of Antarctic predators

• DOI: 10.1007/s00300-014-1625-4
• Publication Date: 2015-02-07T02:19:53Z
• Authors: Michael E. Goebel; Wayne L. Perryman; Jefferson T. Hinke; Douglas J. Krause; Nancy A. Hann; Steve Gardner; Donald J. LeRoi
• Keywords: Overcast; Takeoff and landing; Aerial Survey; Drone; Takeoff

Quantifying the distribution and abundance of predators is integral to many ecological studies, but can be difficult in remote settings such as Antarctica. Recent advances development unmanned aerial systems (UAS), particularly vertical takeoff landing (VTOL) aircraft, have provided a new tool for studying predator populations. We detail our experience testing selecting VTOL platform use remote, windy, perennially overcast settings, where acquiring cloud-free high-resolution satellite images often impractical. present results from first VTOLs estimating abundance, colony area, density krill-dependent Antarctica, based upon 65 missions flown 2010/2011 (n = 28) 2012/2013 37). address concerns over UAS sound affecting wildlife by comparing VTOL-generated noise ambient penguin-generated sound. also report on utility other than distribution, namely estimate size individual leopard seals. Several characteristics small, battery-powered make them useful applications: (1) portability, (2) stability flight, (3) limited launch area requirements, (4) safety, (5) when compared fixed-wing internal combustion engine aircraft. conclude that numerous available, electric are among most promising applications.