Drone Ecology: robust methods for wildlife research using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Terrestrial ecological surveys generally require ecologists to be present in the environment. For large environments or those with restricted access, ecologists have used helicopters or light aircraft to undertake aerial surveys. However, chartering flights is costly and there are often competing demands on aircraft time. This PhD will capitalise on recent advances in UAV technology to develop new ‘drone ecology’ methods, which will be validated against other ecological methods through a programme of field research. The PhD will benefit from substantial international networking opportunities and the ‘drone ecology’ methods developed will make a significant contribution to terrestrial ecological research internationally.