Using virtual reality and thermal imagery to improve statistical modelling of vulnerable and protected species.

ABSTRACT: Biodiversity loss and sparse observational data mean that critical conservation decisions may be based on little to no information. Emerging technologies, such as airborne thermal imaging and virtual reality, may facilitate species monitoring and improve predictions of species distribution. Here we combined these two technologies to predict the distribution of koalas, specialized arboreal foliovores facing population declines in many parts of eastern Australia. For a study area in southeast Australia, we complemented ground-survey records with presence and absence observations from thermal-imagery obtained using Remotely-Piloted Aircraft Systems. These field observations were further complemented with information elicited from koala experts, who were immersed in 360-degree images of the st

SUBMITTER: Leigh C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6905580 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature