Amanda Griswold, a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, is leading the way in transforming waterfowl population monitoring and habitat protection through the use of drones equipped with thermal cameras. With guidance from her adviser, Assistant Professor Ben Sedinger, Griswold’s research has shown that drones are a reliable and efficient tool for surveying wetland habitats and detecting birds in areas where traditional methods often struggle.
The research, funded by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and various scholarships and fellowships, has demonstrated that drones improve detection rates while reducing the need for labor-intensive ground surveys. By providing data on waterfowl populations and habitat use, conservationists can better prioritize restoration and management efforts to ensure the survival of these species.
Sedinger emphasized the collaborative approach of the project and its potential impact on waterfowl and wetland conservation. The use of drones allows for more precise conservation strategies, giving managers the tools they need to respond to emerging challenges in real-time, such as habitat degradation and climate change impacts.
As wildlife populations face threats from habitat loss and climate change, the innovative work of Griswold, with support from state agencies, offers a hopeful outlook for waterfowl populations in Wisconsin’s wetlands. The use of drones in conservation efforts represents an exciting step forward in protecting these species and their habitats.
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