scholarly journals Real-time drone derived thermal imagery outperforms traditional survey methods for an arboreal forest mammal

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0242204
Author(s):  
Ryan R. Witt ◽  
Chad T. Beranek ◽  
Lachlan G. Howell ◽  
Shelby A. Ryan ◽  
John Clulow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Imaging ◽  
Direct Detection ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Remotely Piloted Aircraft ◽  
Aircraft System ◽  
Fixed Boundaries

Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are cryptic and currently face regional extinction. The direct detection (physical sighting) of individuals is required to improve conservation management strategies. We provide a comparative assessment of three survey methods for the direct detection of koalas: systematic spotlighting (Spotlight), remotely piloted aircraft system thermal imaging (RPAS), and the refined diurnal radial search component of the spot assessment technique (SAT). Each survey method was repeated on the same morning with independent observers (03:00–12:00 hrs) for a total of 10 survey occasions at sites with fixed boundaries (28–76 ha) in Port Stephens (n = 6) and Gilead (n = 1) in New South Wales between May and July 2019. Koalas were directly detected on 22 occasions during 7 of 10 comparative surveys (Spotlight: n = 7; RPAS: n = 14; and SAT: n = 1), for a total of 12 unique individuals (Spotlight: n = 4; RPAS: n = 11; SAT: n = 1). In 3 of 10 comparative surveys no koalas were detected. Detection probability was 38.9 ± 20.03% for Spotlight, 83.3 ± 11.39% for RPAS and 4.2 ± 4.17% for SAT. Effective detectability per site was 1 ± 0.44 koalas per 6.75 ± 1.03 hrs for Spotlight (1 koala per 6.75 hrs), 2 ± 0.38 koalas per 4.35 ± 0.28 hrs for RPAS (1 koala per 2.18 hrs) and 0.14 ± 0.14 per 6.20 ± 0.93 hrs for SAT (1 koala per 43.39 hrs). RPAS thermal imaging technology appears to offer an efficient method to directly survey koalas comparative to Spotlight and SAT and has potential as a valuable conservation tool to inform on-ground management of declining koala populations.

The development of an improved scat survey method for koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)

2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 125
Author(s):  
Alex Jiang ◽  
Andrew Tribe ◽  
Peter Murray
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Management ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Current Survey ◽  
Forested Areas ◽  
Improved Accuracy ◽  
A Current

Koala scat surveys are important tools for determining koala presence and distribution in large forested areas where it is impractical to conduct direct observation surveys. However, current scat survey methods are problematic due to lack of either accuracy or feasibility, i.e. they are either biased or very time-consuming in the field. This study aimed to establish a new koala scat survey method with improved accuracy compared with existing methods, and practical in the field. We developed a new Balanced Koala Scat Survey method (BKSS), and evaluated it in the field by analysing scat detectability variations and comparing it with a current survey method, the Spot Assessment Technique (SAT), to determine scat searching accuracy. The results revealed that current methods were biased by assigning consistent searching effort for all trees, because effective searching time to detect the first scat was significantly affected by Koala Activity Level (KAL – the proportion of trees found with scats among all 30 trees in a survey site). Compared with BKSS, SAT tended to yield more false negative outcomes; SAT may miss up to 46% of trees with scats when KAL was low. The application of BKSS is expected to greatly enhance the reliability of koala scat surveys in determining koala distribution and thus improve their conservation management.

Thermal cameras as a survey method for Australian arboreal mammals: a focus on the greater glider

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 367
Author(s):  
Simon G. Vinson ◽  
Aidan P. Johnson ◽  
Katarina M. Mikac
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Imaging ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Arboreal Mammal ◽  
Sclerophyll Forest ◽  
Thermal Cameras ◽  
Survey Designs

This study developed and tested the efficacy of a real-time thermography technique to improve survey methods for Australian arboreal mammal species, with a focus on the greater glider. Development involved the use of thermal imaging cameras combined with spotlight transect surveys of an endangered greater glider population at Seven Mile Beach National Park. Over 30h of nocturnal spotlight transect surveys were undertaken over 14 (1km) transects within 70ha of dry sclerophyll forest. A protocol for the use of thermography to survey greater gliders was developed. The efficacy of the thermography protocol was then experimentally tested in comparison to traditional spotlighting. Overall, thermography was better at detecting arboreal mammals than spotlighting (P<0.05). However, the effect was not significant for greater gliders (P=0.79), even though there was a trend towards improved detection of the species using thermal cameras. Thermography is a novel approach to undertaking arboreal mammal surveys and future studies should consider its relevance, effectiveness and associated costs to improve survey designs, especially for threatened species.

scholarly journals Quantifying Waterfowl Numbers: Comparison of Drone and Ground-Based Survey Methods for Surveying Waterfowl on Artificial Waterbodies

Drones ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Shannon J. Dundas ◽  
Molly Vardanega ◽  
Patrick O’Brien ◽  
Steven R. McLeod
Keyword(s):  
Multilevel Models ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
New South ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Informative Priors ◽  
South Wales ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Large Groups ◽  
Aerial Perspective

Drones are becoming a common method for surveying wildlife as they offer an aerial perspective of the landscape. For waterbirds in particular, drones can overcome challenges associated with surveying locations not accessible on foot. With the rapid uptake of drone technology for bird surveys, there is a need to compare and calibrate new technologies with existing survey methods. We compared waterfowl counts derived from ground- and drone-based survey methods. We sought to determine if group size and waterbody size influenced the difference between counts of non-nesting waterfowl and if detection of species varied between survey methods. Surveys of waterfowl were carried out at constructed irrigation dams and wastewater treatment ponds throughout the Riverina region of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Data were analyzed using Bayesian multilevel models (BMLM) with weakly informative priors. Overall, drone-derived counts of waterfowl were greater (+36%) than ground counts using a spotting scope (β_ground= 0.64 [0.62–0.66], (R2 = 0.973)). Ground counts also tended to underestimate the size of groups. Waterbody size had an effect on comparative counts, with ground counts being proportionally less than drone counts (mean = 0.74). The number of species identified in each waterbody type was similar regardless of survey method. Drone-derived counts are more accurate compared to traditional ground counts, but drones do have some drawbacks including initial equipment costs and time-consuming image or photo processing. Future surveys should consider using drones for more accurately surveying waterbirds, especially when large groups of birds are present on larger waterbodies.

Using Passive Acoustic Recording and Automated Call Identification to Survey Koalas in the Southern Forests of New South Wales

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 477-486
Author(s):  
B. Law ◽  
L. Gonsalves ◽  
R. Bilney ◽  
J. Peterie ◽  
R. Pietsch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Site Occupancy ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Acoustic Recording ◽  
Passive Acoustic

Cost-effective surveys of low density koala populations are challenging, but technological developments in the acoustics field offer great potential for landscape-scale surveys and monitoring. We assessed passive acoustic recording coupled with automated call identification as a survey method for koalas Phascolarctos cinereus . Surveys targeted areas of previously known koala activity based on scat surveys in southern forests of New South Wales where a low density of koalas is suspected. We set 24 Song Meters to record at night over a two week period (~3,696 hours) in the koala breeding season (October/November) in Murrah Flora Reserve. Recordings were scanned by a koala call recogniser and “matches” were manually verified. Across the 24 sites, 522 validated koala bellows were recorded at 21 sites (87.5 % detection rate). Three environmental variables had most influence on detection probability of koalas, including nightly rainfall (-ve), nightly temperature (-ve) and topographic position (lower on ridges). Calling activity peaked at midnight. Sustained site occupancy, at least in the short-term, was apparent as under optimal conditions (no rain) koalas were recorded, on average, for > 50 % of survey nights rather than for just a few nights. We suggest that only a modest survey effort (4–5 nights) in the breeding season, on nights with < 3 mm of rain, is required to achieve 90–95 % probability of koala call detection in an area of low koala density. Comparison with scat surveys at the same sites revealed that detection rates were more than three times greater with acoustic surveys. Technological advances will continue to provide improvements for wildlife survey, and perhaps most importantly, for collecting much needed long-term data to assess trends in occupancy or other population attributes over time.

scholarly journals Harbouring Aliens: Ports as Habitats for Non-native Species

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Samuel J. Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Port Authorities ◽  
Environmental Threat ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Primary Driver ◽  
The Uk

Non-native species are widely regarded as a significant environmental threat and have been associated with biodiversity loss, species extinctions and the altering of ecosystem services. Shipping is the largest transport vector for aquatic species worldwide and ports, being central to this industry, are considered potential ‘hotspots’ for non-native species introductions. Ports are often heavily industrialised areas which can hinder access and the use of standard survey methods. As such, our knowledge of non-native species within UK ports is poor. As the foundation for this research I developed two different settlement surveys designed specifically to overcome some of the obstacles associated with working within active port environments. Surveys were deployed across five ports in South Wales, UK. I detected 13 non-native species and described the wider fouling communities present within each studied port. Whole community structure and their succession varied highly between ports, with salinity being the primary driver of differences between port communities. Significant differences in the observed non-native species between ports, independent of geographic proximity, highlighted the need to monitor individual ports with a view to implementing bespoke, effective management strategies. Colonisation of different material substrates was quantified and revealed that whilst the community structure varied between material types, non-native species would readily colonise all studied materials. These findings have particular importance for the management of non-native species within ports and have been used to inform port biosecurity procedures within the studied region. The successful deployment of the tailored survey methods within active ports will encourage regular monitoring for non-native species within UK ports. This research also showed that collaborations between researchers and port authorities can be highly effective for both parties and may indeed be necessary if we are to successfully manage aquatic non-native species within the UK.

Technical and economic analysis of certain types of service robots

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 1965-1986
Author(s):  
T.A. Komkina ◽  
M.A. Nikonova ◽  
M.G. Dubinina
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Models ◽  
Unit Price ◽  
Service Robots ◽  
Technical Level ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Technical Indicators ◽  
Technical Parameters ◽  
Prosthetic Hands ◽  
Remotely Piloted Aircraft ◽  
Aircraft System

Subject. The article analyzes development trends in certain types of service robots, namely, hybrid UAVs, bionic prosthetic hands, robotic vacuum cleaners. Objectives. We focus on identifying the main trends in the development of certain types of service robots, building dynamic models of their technical indicators and models of dependence of their price and weight on absolute characteristics and technical parameters. Methods. The study employs methods of correlation and multiple regression analysis. The data of the IFR, the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, and websites of robot manufacturers serve as the informational basis of the paper. Results. The modeling unveils positive correlation between the integrated indicator of the technical level of hybrid UAVs of convertiplane type and the wingspan. The analysis of modern bionic prosthetic hands shows that the developers focus on optimizing the structure of the prosthetic, however, as the functions of the hand improve, the weight of bionic hand increases. The main factors influencing the price of robot vacuum cleaners are their power, weight, and operating hours. Conclusions. The unit price of a complex indicator of the technical level of hybrid UAVs is lower than the corresponding indicator of fixed-wing UAVs, reflecting a greater efficiency of hybrid UAVs. The analysis of technical indicators of robotic prosthetics (using the case of bionic hands) shows that any improvement of functional characteristics leads to deterioration of weight. The analysis of technical and economic indicators of robotic vacuum cleaners reveals a positive correlation between the price and weight, operating hours and power.

Koalas continue to occupy their previous home-ranges after selective logging in Callitris - Eucalyptus forest

2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodney P. Kavanagh ◽  
Matthew A. Stanton ◽  
Traecey E. Brassil
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Selective Logging ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Eucalyptus Forest ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Callitris Glaucophylla ◽  
One Year ◽  
Cypress Pine

The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is a charismatic, high-profile species whose conservation needs are commonly perceived to be incompatible with logging. However, koala biology and the results of chronosequence studies elsewhere suggest that this species may tolerate a degree of habitat alteration caused by logging. In this study, 30 koalas, five in each of six areas available for logging within a mixed white cypress pine (Callitris glaucophylla)–Eucalyptus forest in north-western New South Wales, were radio-tracked for one year during 1997–1998 to determine their movements, home-range sizes and tree preferences. Five months after the study began, three of these areas were logged selectively for sawlogs and thinnings of the white cypress pine, a tree that is important to koalas for daytime shelter. This removed about one-quarter of the stand basal area, but the eucalypt component was unaffected. The remaining three areas were left undisturbed as controls. Radio-tracking continued in all six areas for another seven months. Koalas continued to occupy all or part of their previous home-ranges after selective logging, and home-range sizes remained similar between logged and unlogged areas. Home-ranges for both sexes overlapped and were ~12 ha for males and 9 ha for females. Koala survival and the proportions of breeding females were similar in logged and unlogged areas. The principal food trees of the koala were red gums, mainly Eucalyptus blakelyi and E. chloroclada, and the pilliga box (E. pilligaensis), none of which were logged in this study. These results suggest that selective logging for white cypress pine does not appear to adversely affect koala populations and that koalas may not be as sensitive to logging as previously thought. Further work is required to determine thresholds in the level of retention of koala food trees in logging operations.

scholarly journals Diarrhetic Shellfish Toxin Monitoring in Commercial Wild Harvest Bivalve Shellfish in New South Wales, Australia

Toxins ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hazel Farrell ◽  
Penelope Ajani ◽  
Shauna Murray ◽  
Phil Baker ◽  
Grant Webster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Market Survey ◽  
Wild Harvest ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Regulatory Limits ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Shellfish Toxin ◽  
Anadara Granosa

An end-product market survey on biotoxins in commercial wild harvest shellfish (Plebidonax deltoides, Katelysia spp., Anadara granosa, Notocallista kingii) during three harvest seasons (2015–2017) from the coast of New South Wales, Australia found 99.38% of samples were within regulatory limits. Diarrhetic shellfish toxins (DSTs) were present in 34.27% of 321 samples but only in pipis (P. deltoides), with two samples above the regulatory limit. Comparison of these market survey data to samples (phytoplankton in water and biotoxins in shellfish tissue) collected during the same period at wild harvest beaches demonstrated that, while elevated concentrations of Dinophysis were detected, a lag in detecting bloom events on two occasions meant that wild harvest shellfish with DSTs above the regulatory limit entered the marketplace. Concurrently, data (phytoplankton and biotoxin) from Sydney rock oyster (Saccostrea glomerata) harvest areas in estuaries adjacent to wild harvest beaches impacted by DSTs frequently showed elevated Dinophysis concentrations, but DSTs were not detected in oyster samples. These results highlighted a need for distinct management strategies for different shellfish species, particularly during Dinophysis bloom events. DSTs above the regulatory limit in pipis sampled from the marketplace suggested there is merit in looking at options to strengthen the current wild harvest biotoxin management strategies.

scholarly journals Design and Implementation of Android Applications as Mobile Payment Gateway Services in the Sistem Online Payment Point (SOPP) of PDAM Malang Regency

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-33
Author(s):  
Grifito yuan Maulidina
Keyword(s):  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Point System ◽  
Payment Systems ◽  
Online Payment ◽  
Transaction Process ◽  
Inkjet Printers ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Speed Up

The development of online payment systems such as the online payment point system has greatly assisted the public in processing monthly transactions such as water bills. However, in its application, this system still uses large devices such as computers and inkjet printers so that the operation takes a long time and is less efficient. Therefore, in this study, a mobile application is designed to replace the role of computers in making water bill payment transactions in the online payment point system (SOPP) of PDAM Malang Regency. The application that is connected to a database server via the internet is also integrated with a compact wireless thermal printer that can be carried anywhere and does not require ink refills so that it can speed up the transaction process and be more efficient in time, paper and space. The research method used was experimental and survey methods. The experimental method is used to test the running of the application, test the application's compatibility with the device and measure the time it takes for the application to exchange data. The survey method is used to test user satisfaction with the application.

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