Roadside thermal surveys of endangered animal species
Cardinia Shire Council employed advanced drone technology and survey methodology to conduct precise and cost-effective nighttime surveys, aiding in the identification of hundreds of native animals and endangered greater gliders, and influencing road project planning to protect vital habitat trees.
Customer
Cardinia Shire Council
Location
Cardinia Shire
Equipment Used
- DJI Matrice 300 with H20N camera and LED spotlight
- DJI Matrice 30 with LED spotlight
Licences and approvals
- Night operation
Problem
Cardinia Shire Council has a growing population, which means that roads sometimes need to be upgraded or widened. As some roads are lined with large amounts of native trees and vegetation, these upgrade projects can have an impact on the habitats of the endangered native species that call these trees home. Knowing where these species live has always been difficult to measure and prove with traditional animal surveys methods, especially because most of these species are nocturnal.
Solution
FMS has developed robust animal survey methodology which, when combined with the latest drone imaging technology, allows us to conduct highly accurate and cost effective systematic animal surveys. Using this combination technology and survey methodology, FMS was able to identify hundreds of native animals who use these trees as habitat, as well as some endangered greater gliders. This data has helped Cardinia Shire Council to plan their road projects to avoid destruction of essential habitat trees.
"Using FMS technology and methodology, Ecologists have accurately identified endangered species and have made a major contribution to the design of these roads and the establishment of species management programs."
Peter, Cardinia Shire
