Drone research will help Aotearoa's threatened lizards!

My name is Carey Knox, and I am an experienced lizard ecologist (or herpetologist). Recently, I’ve returned to the University of Otago to undertake a PhD (supervised by Dr Jo Monks), after realising the huge potential of drone technology for improving knowledge of lizard populations. Many of Aotearoa’s 120+ lizard species are threatened with extinction and occupy difficult to survey habitats, thus distribution and abundance can be poorly understood, making conservation management problematic. I aim to tackle this conservation issue head on by developing drones as a tool for reliably finding lizards in inaccessible habitats, such as forest canopies and steep mountain sides. Unfortunately, I have been unable to gain a university scholarship. Thus, we are seeking alternative funding for this crucial mahi.

This research started in October last year and thus far we have proved that our drone (nicknamed ‘froggy’) is able to efficiently locate jewelled geckos (Naultinus gemmeus) in forest canopies, as well as skinks in steep terrain. We even discovered a new population of the Nationally Critical Canterbury spotted skink using the drone! Supporters can choose between making themselves known or remaining anonymous. For the former, acknowledgement, photographs, and regular updates will be available. I truly believe that this research will assist in reptile conservation management and result in exciting new discoveries. Thanks, Carey Knox & Jo Monks.