Integrating Remote Sensing into Wildlife Monitoring for Conservation

Abstract

SummaryEffective wildlife monitoring is a prerequisite for effective wildlife conservation since, without time-series data on species populations and threats, evidence-based adaptive management will be difficult to achieve. Technological advances in remote sensing offer more opportunities for data collection than ever before. However, if we are to enhance data sharing and the use of data by decision-makers, methods must be relevant to local user needs and be integrated into monitoring schemes with appropriate goals and indicators.

A quantitative global review of species population monitoring

“…Although each approach has its own limitations and taxonomic biases, if used correctly as part of standardized protocols with clear goals, they can help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of biodiversity monitoring schemes (Stephenson 2019). However, many of the taxonomic gaps we have This article is protected by copyright.…”

An inventory of biodiversity data sources for conservation monitoring

“…Although remote sensing offers many opportunities for enhancing biodiversity monitoring [ 44 ], current technology tends to bias data collection towards trees, large mammals and birds. While, in many instances these may be good indicators of broader ecosystem health, a more complete understanding of biodiversity trends is likely to come only from having human observers on the ground in key sites [ 30 , 44 , 50 ]. Recently developed monitoring protocols that include oft-neglected taxa like plants and invertebrates (e.g.…”

“…Data that are collected need to be shared as widely as possible by uploading them into national, regional and global databases [ 50 ]. Databases that are not updated regularly with new data will soon become less useful [ 53 ].…”

Fostering local involvement for biodiversity conservation in tropical regions: Lessons from Madagascar during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…Novel non‐invasive monitoring methods (e.g., robotics, acoustic recording systems), and associated data storage and processing capacity could alleviate both the need for on‐the‐ground researchers (if a situation calls for reduced activity) and the need for international research travel (Evans et al, 2020; Sheller, 2020). For instance, the SMART technology (Spatial Monitoring And Reporting Tool) used to conduct biodiversity monitoring and track illegal activities in various African countries including Madagascar (Jones et al, 2019; Joppa, 2015; Wilson et al, 2019) has not yet been adopted in all protected areas (Stephenson et al, 2019). Expanding the use of and training for such tools in the broader tropical region could help establish more resilient management networks (Jones et al, 2019).…”