Tracking predators and prey using drones
My PhD project revolves around the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (commonly known as drones) and GPS tracking data from collared animals to study the interplay between predator and prey dynamics in African charismatic wildlife. The species under scrutiny include plains zebra, impala, lion, hyena, and wild dogs. By monitoring the movements and social interactions of these animals, we aim to gain insights into their movement ecology and group behaviour. This research is a part of the WildDrone consortium, which is a large doctoral network funded by the EU Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions that focus on developing autonomous drones for nature conservation missions.
The project is under the supervision of Prof. Frank van Langevelde and Dr. Henjo de Knegt.