How Researchers Counted Over 41,000 Giant River Turtles at One Nesting Site Without Direct Contact
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Drones Count 41,000 Giant River Turtles at Largest Nesting Site Without Disturbance
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News18•09-03-2026, 08:33
Drones Count 41,000 Giant River Turtles at Largest Nesting Site Without Disturbance
•Drones and statistical analysis accurately counted over 41,000 endangered Giant River Turtles at the world's largest known nesting site.
•The study, by University of Florida and Wildlife Conservation Society, identified the massive nesting site along the Guaporé River (Brazil-Bolivia border).
•This non-invasive method provides a more accurate population estimate, overcoming limitations of traditional ground surveys.
•The technique uses drone imagery, orthomosaics, and probability models to track and estimate turtle numbers.
•The innovative approach can be applied to other hard-to-observe species, aiding conservation of the ecologically vital Arrau turtle.
