UAV-supported coastal wildlife monitoring in fragmented mangrove ecosystems

Introduction to the Project

Coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, salt marshes, estuaries, and coral reefs, provide essential ecosystem services and habitats for a wide variety of species, many of which are classified as threatened. However, these ecosystems face severe pressures from coastal development, pollution, and the growing impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise and storm surges. As these pressures increase, wildlife conservation and monitoring become critical for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring ecosystem stability.

Traditional methods of wildlife monitoring, while valuable, can be invasive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. In remote and dynamic coastal environments, these challenges are amplified by difficult terrain, high costs, and limitations on the scope of data collection. UAVs have emerged as an efficient and less intrusive solution, offering high-resolution, real-time data collection with minimal disturbance to wildlife. This project conducts a PRISMA-based systematic review of UAV applications in wildlife monitoring, focusing on key themes such as species population estimation, behavioral tracking, and habitat assessment in coastal ecosystems.

Project Objectives

1. Data Collection and Analysis:
   The project will review UAV-based data collection techniques, emphasizing their effectiveness in tracking endangered species, monitoring marine megafauna, and assessing the condition of coastal habitats.
2. Technological Advancements:
   By exploring the use of machine learning algorithms, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for species detection, and semi-automated classification methods, the project highlights advancements that enhance data processing and species monitoring.
3. Challenges and Opportunities:
   The project identifies technical limitations, regulatory restrictions, and operational challenges faced by UAVs in harsh coastal environments. Solutions to overcome these barriers, such as improved battery life and weather-resistant UAV models, will also be explored.
4. Future Directions:
   The project emphasizes the need for standardized protocols and ethical guidelines to ensure responsible use of UAVs in ecological research. It also points to the potential for UAV technology to play a larger role in wildlife conservation as machine learning and data analysis tools continue to improve.

Conclusion

This systematic review aims to enhance our understanding of how UAVs can be effectively used to monitor wildlife in coastal ecosystems. Through improved data collection and modeling methods, UAVs can provide a critical tool for researchers and policymakers working to conserve coastal biodiversity and mitigate the effects of human activities and climate change.