Evaluating behavioural responses of macropods to drones

Context Wildlife monitoring is a crucial component of conservation management, and drones are an increasingly important tool for wildlife surveys. The response of wildlife to drone activities can vary depending on various factors, hence, the development of site- and species-specific protocols for drone-survey methods should be prioritised. Aims In this study, we aimed to evaluate the behavioural responses of two large terrestrial mammals from Tasmania, Australia – Bennett’s wallaby (Notamacropus rufogriseus) and Forester kangaroo (Macropus giganteus tasmaniensis) – towards a drone, with the goal of determining the feasibility of deploying drones for population monitoring of these species in their natural habitats. Methods We investigated the impacts of drone presence on Bennett’s wallaby and Forester kangaroo using a commercial quadcopter model. Individuals were observed under controlled drone approaches conducted at six flight altitudes, and behavioural responses were classified as undisturbed, vigilant or fled based on direct observation and video analysis. Key results We found that both macropod species showed increasing behavioural responses to the drone, including evasion, at lower flight altitudes and higher drone noise levels, particularly at 40 m above ground level (AGL) and below. At lower sound levels (48 dB and below, corresponding to flight altitudes above 50 m AGL), animals’ responses were minimal. These results indicate that drone-based surveys of Forester kangaroos and Bennett’s wallabies can be conducted with minimal disturbance when appropriate operational parameters are applied. Conclusions Our findings support the adoption of flight altitudes of 40–60 m AGL as a general guideline for reducing behavioural disturbance during drone-based monitoring of macropods under conditions similar to those examined in this study. These findings highlight the potential for drone-based monitoring of macropods with minimal behavioural disturbance when appropriate flight parameters are applied. Implications Our study has established fundamental information on the behavioural responses of Forester kangaroos and Bennett’s wallabies to drone operations, helping to identify flight parameters that can minimise disturbance during wildlife surveys. These findings can inform the development of drone-based monitoring protocols for macropods in Tasmania and provide a basis for further evaluation of species-specific responses to drone operations.