Utilising drone-based thermal remote sensing technology to accurately estimate Spectacled Flying-Fox abundance and model population trajectories.
Role
Supervisor
Description
This project aims to address knowledge gaps in our understanding of the abundance and population trajectory of the spectacled flying fox, a keystone species in tropical rainforest ecosystems that is currently listed as Endangered. The research will focus on applying novel remote sensing technologies such as drone-based thermal imagery to estimate the current population size of spectacled flying foxes, and develop a standardised monitoring protocol specifically for use by Indigenous rangers. Additionally, the project will seek to test and adapt theoretical models for predicting species population trajectories using spectacled flying foxes as a case study. This work aligns with national conservation priorities and is crucial to understand whether conservation management actions are having the intended impact of mitigating spectacled flying fox population declines. Moreover, the project supports broader efforts to conserve tropical fauna globally by developing widely applicable field- and desktop-based methods for assessing population declines.
Date
11 Mar 2024 - 11 Sep 2027
Project Type
SCHOLARSHIP
Keywords
spectacled flying-fox;drone;thermal imagery;remote sensing;population monitoring
Funding Body
National Environmental Science Program (NESP) Resilient Landscapes Hub
Amount
50000
Project Team
Susan Laurance;Will Edwards;Andrew Krockenberger