Novel use of remote sensors to improve population monitoring and ecological understanding of threatened vertebrates for the purpose of conservation management

This thesis investigated the novel use of remote sensors in threatened species monitoring, in two study systems. In open habitats, I demonstrated that thermal scanners outperform spotlighting in detection, accuracy, and efficiency, while reducing disturbance to birds. Similarly, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPASs) were more efficient, and had better detection and precision than ground counts when surveying canopy-nesting seabirds. Using RPASs, I demonstrated that the Vulnerable Christmas Island Frigatebird is nesting sympatrically with Great Frigatebirds by partitioning nesting habitat, but has declined severely. Remote sensors offer transformative potential in threatened species monitoring, providing valuable ecological insights and improving conservation outcomes.