Purdue Researchers Seeking Landowners
In natural resource management, there is a need to understand the densities of wildlife species to determine hunting quotas, issue take permits, and predict where disease outbreaks might occur. This information can improve population management, and that the risk of disease spread is minimized. Within Indiana, the Department of Natural Resources manages white-tailed deer populations and monitors the spread of diseases known to impact the ungulate species. Diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) are some of the diseases known to infect deer. Traditional methods to determine wildlife densities are very time-consuming and expensive. Purdue researchers are now looking at the use of UAS or unmanned aerial systems (drones) to be able to collect wildlife data.
Tina Jackson and Dr. Zollner conduct a drone flight at Purdue Wildlife Area.
Purdue University's Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) researchers are collaborating with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to explore the potential of UAS surveys for estimating the densities of deer, coyote and turkey across the state of Indiana. The data that will be collected will help to more accurately guide hunting limits and disease management. Tina Jackson, a graduate student with Dr. Patrick Zollner’s Lab, is leading the drone research portion of the project. This year, the team is aiming to fly over private properties as well. If you are a private landowner, and interested in having your property surveyed, you can sign up using the QR code.
Questions? Contact Tina Jackson, Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources