Reactions of waterfowls to UAVs

Abstract

Abstract. At seven waterfowl wintering sites in Japan, waterfowl reactions to horizontally or vertically approaching Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) were studied. The relationship between the behaviour of waterfowl flocks and the distance to UAV taking off, was analyzed. Our results indicated that UAVs flying at low altitude and taking off in close proximity led to waterfowl flocks escaping; however, did not suggest that flock size was related to escape reaction behavior. When surveying flocks of Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons on land, as opposed to on water, it is considered necessary to fly UAVs at higher altitudes and to take off from points farther way. Ducks are more likely to remain in place than either geese or swans, and generally do not flee from approaching UAVs. UAVs are a useful tool for surveying waterfowl species because image resolution allowing for detection of individual can be obtained at flight altitude that are unlikely to disturb waterfowl flocks.