Workshop on Using UAVs in Primate Biology Studies

Open Labs @ LJMU were delighted to host a workshop with Professor Serge Wich from the University’s Research Centre in Evolutionary Anthropology and Palaeoecology who took the opportunity to share his experience of using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in his primate biology studies with the wider LJMU research community.

He spoke extensively and enthusiastically about the development and positive application of drone technologies across a range of conservation programmes.

Conservation drones are inexpensive, autonomous and operator-friendly UAVs utilised in surveying and for mapping forests and biodiversity. Non-technical operators can programme each mission by defining waypoints along a flight path using open-source software.

Drones have great potential as environmental and conservation tools which enable near real-time mapping of local land cover, monitoring of illegal forest activities, and surveying of large animal species. Professor Wich shared his experiences in Indonesia and the Bornean Rainforest with a view to demonstrating novel ways other LJMU researchers might benefit from drone applications.

Advances in the tools and techniques for gathering and analysing data are transforming field work. Innovations in technology have enabled the development of many novel techniques that provide new opportunities for better and more affordable information gathering relevant to disciplines including; archaeology, wild life conservation, architecture; built environment & mapping, amongst many others.

Jason Taylor from Open Labs said:

“Professor Wich’s use of these research tools is fascinating; the response he’s received from researchers operating in diverse fields has been incredible. Open Labs is a catalyst for developing and sustaining research collaborations and we’re keen to hear from colleagues who’d like to participate in further activities around UAV applications as well as wider research opportunities."

For further information please contact Lindsay Sharples at [email protected] or call 0151 231 5312