Monitoring White-Tailed Deer Populations Using a Drone and Thermal Camera

[Past Projects]

Dr. Randy Mitchell and Stuart Davis

This study will use a thermal camera mounted to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to study white-tailed deer populations with Bath Nature Preserve and the Cleveland Metroparks. While drones are a big part of the study, other methods for mapping deer will be utilized as to have something to compare the drone sampling method to. I am looking for anyone interested in ecology or learning how to count deer populations

Why Use a Drone?

The main advantages of this method of sampling is that it should be less prone to human error. Instead of a compass, protractor and rangefinder that are required for distance sampling (the method most used), the drone can collect all the necessary data instantly and more reliably. Deer have developed a camouflage that makes it difficult to locate them in some environments. The thermal camera above the tree line with its line of sight not inhibited by trees take away any doubts that a researcher may have in locating and identifying the white-tailed deer. Also, the locations will be georeferenced and digitized and in GIS software any time after the fact. If you are interested in getting more information about this project, email me at spd34@zips.uakron.edu.
Click here for more information about the Mitchell lab.