drones as a tool to study and monitor endangered Grey Crowned Cranes (Balaerica regulorum): behavioural responses and recommended guidelines

These data detail the results of an investigation into the impact of drones and on-foot approaches on the behaviour of the endangered Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum). In total, 313 drone flights and 56 on-foot approaches were conducted over three different Grey Crowned Crane group types - pairs (110 flights, 26 on-foot), families (66 flights, 7 on-foot), and flocks (110 flights, 23 on-foot). Response data describe the number of birds exhibiting a particular behaviour (1 - no behaviour change, 2 - heads raised to observe surroundings, 3 - wings raised, 4 -moving away, and 5 - flying away) based on a photograph taken during the approach. Predictor data include the distance between the drone or on-foot observer and the bird grouping and a description of the group type. The number of individuals in the group can be inferred from the response data., Experiment 1: Monitoring method comparison experiment
Trial observations included recording the behavioural cues of GCC groupings (pairs, families, and flocks) in response to either of the two monitoring methods (on-foot, drone) across various distances and flight heights. Behavioural cues were categorised as follows: no behaviour change (1), heads raised to observe surroundings (2), wings raised (3), moving away (4), and flying away (5) (Figure 1). All trial observations were undertaken by the same observer and care was taken to wear similarly coloured clothing for each of the trials.
On-foot monitoring
Upon locating a GCC grouping, the observer approached the group at a constant walking speed of approximately 1 m.s-1, making a reasonable effort not to disturb the grouping (e.g., avoiding noises and sudden movements). Observations were noted at the start of each trial, every 10 – 15th step thereafter, and again if any change in GCC behaviour was observed. Each observation included meas..., , # Data from: drones as a tool to study and monitor endangered Grey Crowned Cranes (Balaerica regulorum): behavioural responses and recommended guidelines

This README file was generated on 2024-02-27 by Stuart Demmer.

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Title of Dataset: Drones as a tool to study and monitor endangered Grey Crowned Cranes (*Balearica regulorum*): Behavioural responses and recommended guidelines

2. Author Information
A. Principal Investigator Contact Information
Name: Carmen Rosa Demmer
Institution: University of South Africa
Address: Howick, KZN South Africa
Email: [[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail])

B. Associate Contact Information
Name: Stuart Demmer
Institution: NA
Address: Howick, KZN South Africa
Email: [[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail])

B. Supervisor Contact Information
Name: Trevor McIntyre
Institution: University of South Africa
Address: Pretoria, GAU South Africa
...