Researchers have called for greater regulation of drones after finding they were having a big impact on endangered species.
The team, led by PhD candidate Joshua Wilson, carried out 240 drone approaches over flocks of birds in Moreton Bay and found that 11 species were generally unaffected.
“Drones can interrupt birds as they try to rest or feed and birds avoid habitats that are regularly disturbed,” Wilson said.
“If the birds are consistently interrupted or scared away for their preferred habitats, species like the eastern curlew, which migrates thousands of kilometres to breed, may find it difficult to gain the energy they need to survive and reproduce.”
He said a drones had a commercial and recreational benefit and were even used to monitor birds in hard-to-reach locations, but the findings indicated they needed more space.
As a birder it makes perfect sense, birds are smart but their brains are very different from ours and see the world very differently. I’m sure to most birds drones look and sound like horrifying predator monsters from the depths of bird hell.
It’s really too bad, the ability to use a camera drone and take shots from a birds-eye-view, but everything I’ve read about it and just common sense makes getting one for birding a definite no.Perhaps mini blimps for birding?
That’s ingenious, the only problem I can think of is if a bird of prey sees a slow moving, plump, quiet thing in the sky they would probably try to catch and eat it.
But really, what did they expect when they buzz a plane or somebody’s head.
Summarise link into 5 points of 1-3 sentences
Ha ha. this is amazing I never thought of using chatGPT in this fashion.
I’m trying to work out a routine.
I’m using a summariser that just shortens articles as it seems more natural. Chatgpt tends to tell you a story. I dont use it much, there is probably a better way to prompt it.
- The link discusses how drone usage is causing significant disturbances to critically endangered shorebirds in Moreton Bay.
- Many shorebirds fly thousands of kilometers to reach the bay and require rest and feeding to prepare for their journey back. The drone disturbance forces them to abandon their feeding attempts, causing stress and energy loss.
- The article highlights that Moreton Bay shelters over 25,000 migratory shorebirds, which means a considerable number of birds are affected by drone activity.
- This disturbance has a domino effect, as it not only disrupts the individual birds but also affects their breeding success and the entire population in the long run.
- The article urges for regulations and responsible use of drones in wildlife areas to reduce the impact on vulnerable bird populations.
https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2023/07/battle-skies-drones-and-endangered-birds
Summarise link into 5 points of 1-3 sentences
- The link attaches to an article from the University of Queensland, discussing the potential conflict between drones and endangered birds.
- This research project investigates the reaction of various endangered bird species towards drones in their natural habitat.
- The ultimate goal of the study is to devise guidelines for drone operations in areas that are sensitive to bird conservation, it emphasizes on balancing technological advances with wildlife wellbeing.
- Preliminary findings suggest birds exhibit different reactions towards drones, from curiosity to hostility; the researchers understand that considering birds’ behavior patterns is crucial for designing drone guidelines.
- The researchers emphasize the importance of further understanding and research in this area as drones become more commonly used, to ensure they do not inadvertently contribute to the extinction of vulnerable bird species.
