RMIT is partnering with Parks Victoria to improve understanding of the feasibility of airborne thermal imagery for monitoring large mammals in parks and reserves, where factors such as terrain limit the application of traditional monitoring techniques.
This research project uses the population of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) in the Plenty Gorge Parklands to test two fundamental knowledge gaps that will inform a broader research program on the use of high level vertical and low level oblique thermal images captured by Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs) to monitor large herbivores. Specifically, it will examine how kangaroo detection by UAV thermal images is influenced by factors such as vertical altitude, oblique range, time of day, terrain and foliage density.
Project timeline: 2019 - 2021
Key contributors: Mark Shortis
This project addresses the following Sustainable Development Goals and Targets:
15.1 By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements
Get in touch
For more information or to discuss partnership and collaboration opportunities, email us at SDGs@rmit.edu.au.
For more information about RMIT’s sustainability commitments and activities visit www.rmit.edu.au/sustainability
