The behavioral responses of a nocturnal burrowing marsupial (Lasiorhinus latifrons) to drone flight. Issue 17 (1st August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Headland, Taylor; Ostendorf, Bertram; Taggart, David
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 11:Issue 17(2021)
• Page Start: 12173
• Page End: 12181
• Publication Date: 2021-08-01
• Subjects: anthropogenic impacts -- drones -- nocturnal observation -- UAVs -- vigilance behavior; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7981
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: The use of drones in wildlife research and management is increasing. Recent evidence has demonstrated the impact of drones on animal behavior, but the response of nocturnal animals to drone flight remains unknown. Utilizing a lightweight commercial drone, the behavioral response of southern hairy‐nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) to drone flights was observed at Kooloola Station, Swan Reach, South Australia. All wombats flown over during both day and night flights responded behaviorally to the presence of drones. The response differed based on time of day. The most common night‐time behavior elicited by drone flight was retreat, compared to stationary alertness behavior observed for daytime drone flights. The behavioral response of the wombats increased as flight altitude decreased. The marked difference of behavior between day and night indicates that this has implications for studies using drones. The behavior observed during flights was altered due to the presence of the drone, and therefore, shrewd study design is important (i.e., acclimation period to drone flight). Considering the sensory adaptations of the target species and how this may impact its behavioral response when flying at night is essential. Abstract : This study explores the disturbance behaviors of the southern hairy‐nosed wombat ( Lasiorhinus latifrons ) to daytime and night‐time drone flight. A lightweight UAV was flown over the wombats at 3 different altitudes to document vigilance behaviors. Wombats were found to respond behaviorally to the presence of the drone for all flight altitudes, regardless of time of day, and the behavioral response of the wombats intensified as flight altitude decreased.