The use of drones for conservation: A methodological tool to survey caimans nests density

Abstract

The use of drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), is a burgeoning facet of conservation biology with the potential to revolutionize the way in which animals and habitats are monitored. Recently, the location and distribution of caiman nests were mainly carried out by helicopters, paramotoring, and small plane for the identification and validation of nesting sites. The methods chosen for counting caimans are limited by interpretation difficulties when comparing densities observed in different habitats or with different visibility conditions or environmental variables. In this research, flights with drones were conducted in order to estimate the density amount of the caiman nests, quantify the nests potential in the monitored areas, and evaluate whether the current nest harvest in Corrientes Province is within the acceptable limits for a sustainable program. The use of this technology allows researchers to sample the presence of nests, their quantification, and georeferentiation, but also to find an absolute density of nests and to extrapolate it to other areas with similar habitat conditions.