Remote environmental monitoring techniques

Environmental monitoring in northern Australia is challenged by many resource and logistical constraints; including the large spatial scale, limited and variable site access (e.g. limited all weather road and infrastructure, wet season inaccessibility), environmental hazards to field-based studies (including crocodiles, cyclones and harsh climate) and relatively small population base and limitations on technical capability. These constraints often lead to restricted sampling designs, with limited sample sizes, reduced spatial coverage, and poor power to track environmental change particularly in time frames suitable for managers.

This project assessed the usefulness of new and emerging remote monitoring techniques for northern Australia, and prioritised future research needs.

  • Remotely operating a fixed wing drone. Credit: eriss
  • Minature boat monitors aspects of water quality. Credit: eriss
  • Motion detection cameras are being used for wildlife surveys across northern Australia
  • Fish sampling
  • Remotely operating a fixed wing drone. Credit: eriss
  • Minature boat monitors aspects of water quality. Credit: eriss
  • Fixed wing drone. Credit: eriss
  • Fixed wing drone. Credit: eriss
  • A feral pig is captured on a motion detection camera. Credit: Department of Land Resoruce Management
  • A motion detection camera aimed at a bait station

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