A Manual for Monitoring Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) Using Thermal Infrared Cameras Mounted on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Minyoung Kim,Ok-Sik Chung,Jong-Koo Lee

doi:10.3390/rs13204141

Abstract

This study proposes monitoring methods of wild boars in plains or mountain forest areas using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with infrared cameras. It is recommended to monitor in winter when the canopy layer is thin and the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the body temperature of the wild boar is distinct, so that the infrared camera can better detect the wild boars. In flat land, the plane movement of the UAV can be easily monitored using the line transect, the point count survey, the plot sampling method, and the belted transect. In the mountain forest, there are variations in elevation due to slopes. Therefore, we introduced the WAYPOINT function to reflect the difference in altitude. After the investigator designates the waypoint, various information can be modified according to the terrain, and the WAYPOINT can be transmitted to other UAVs, so the utilization is high. In this method, once a route is created using the WAYPOINT, there is no need for additional operation after the start of the flight, and it helps to re-monitor the site by using the WAYPOINT record repeatedly. Therefore, this technical note provides a more repeatedly sustainable and scalable monitoring method than the conventional UAV method.

Highlights

As urbanization progresses and human living spaces expand, the buffers between humans and wild animal habitats decrease and overlap [1], resulting in conflicting interests between the two groups [2]
This study described a manual for wild boar monitoring techniques in mountain forests using a unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with an infrared camera
A monitoring method can be chosen among the line transect, the point count survey, plot sampling method, and belt transect depending on the situation

Summary

Introduction

As urbanization progresses and human living spaces expand, the buffers between humans and wild animal habitats decrease and overlap [1], resulting in conflicting interests between the two groups [2]. This urbanization will continue and will intensify the conflict between humans and wildlife [3]. Diseases such as African swine fever are spreading to wild animals and livestock, causing enormous social and economic damages, and, zoonosis has become a serious social problem [4,5,6]. Active studies on management measures to reduce the conflict between wild boars and humans have not yet been conducted

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion