This project aims to develop an automated and distributed spatial tracking approach using low cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to locate and study endangered wildlife. Understanding animal behaviour and habits with granular spatial data is essential to develop effective monitoring and conservation strategies. Spatial tracking of radio collared wildlife using radio telemetry is a critical but costly tool for acquiring this data. This project anticipates that airborne spatial tracking using intelligent spatial tracking algorithms on board low cost UAV teams will allow more precise understanding of wildlife for evidence-based conservation and management in a changing global climate.

This project will combine the outcomes and research expertise from two areas within CDIT, Ubiquitous Computing and Modelling and Analysis, and will be used to demonstrate the broader impact of the MEDEA performance modelling tool, with collaborators from the Environment Institute, and the following industry partners: Defence Science and Technology Group, The Schultz Foundation and the Department of Parks and Wildlife.