The behavioural responses of Lasiorhinus latifrons to night-time and daytime drone flight

The use of drones in wildlife research and management is
increasing. Recent evidence has demonstrated the impact of drones
on animal behavior but the response of nocturnal animals to drone flight
remains unknown. Utilising a lightweight commercial drone, the behavioral
response of southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons)
to drone flights was observed at Kooloola Station, Swan Reach, South
Australia. All wombats flown over during both day and
night flights responded behaviorally to the presence of drones.
The response differed based on time of day. The most common night-time
behavior elicited by drone flight was retreat, compared to stationary
alertness behavior observed for daytime drone flights. The behavioral
response of the wombats increased as flight altitude decreased. The marked
difference of behavior between day and night indicates that this has
implications for studies using drones. The behavior observed during
flights was altered due to the presence of the drone, and therefore shrewd
study design is important (i.e.acclimation period to drone flight).
Considering the sensory adaptations of the target species and how this may
impact its behavioral response when flying at night is essential.