GPS Tracking & Flight Modelling

 

We specialise in GPS tracking of birds ranging from small migratory species such as White-throated Needletail, medium sized raptors to large wetland birds and raptors such as Brolgas and Eagles using state of the art GPS technology.

  • GPS Telemetry Services: Real-time tracking of bird movements and interactions with wind turbines, providing crucial high resolution flight metric data to determine core area buffer zones (nest and foraging sites), and inform CRMs, risk assessments and site planning.

  • Flight Modelling: Advanced flight path modelling to determine and predict avian movement patterns, aiding in collision risk assessment and mitigation planning.

  • Turbine Curtailment Systems: Expert advice on turbine curtailment strategies and installation to reduce bird collisions, tailored to specific site conditions and species.

  • Study Design and Planning: Comprehensive study setup, including defining objectives and survey design, planning and logistics for bird capture, budgeting through to data management, analysis and reporting.

  • Field Operations Support: We organise and conduct bird capture and transmitter attachment, using species-specific methods to ensure efficient, successful capture and transmitter deployment. 

  • Transmitter Management: Day-to-day oversight and management of transmitter operations, including monitoring power consumption, solar recharge, and adjusting duty cycles to align with bird behaviour, habitats, and local conditions.

Flight modelling of GPS tracked Eagle

        Image: Flight modelling of eagle GPS tracks to inform collision risk modelling and turbine layout

Collision Risk Modelling (CRM)

 

We utilise modern stochastic collision risk models to assess collision risk (monthly & annually) and mitigate the impacts of wind farms on threatened bird and bat populations. Our approach includes:

 

  • Site Assessments: Assessment of collision risk for protected  / threatened or migratory species and high risk areas within project footprints  

  • Collision Risk Modelling: Stochastic avian collision risk models based on bird utilisation survey data or flight metrics from GPS telemetry data.

  • Design Optimisation: CRMs to assist with assessment and approvals processes and inform turbine design and layout to reduce collision risks for threatened or protected bird species.

  • Impact Mitigation: Development of risk mitigation strategies including pre-operational and operational strategies, such as seasonal turbine shutdowns, to minimise risks during peak migration periods if required.

KERNEL  DENSITY ANALYSIS

 

Kernel Density Analysis (KD) is used to estimate the density of occurrences / locations (GPS tracking points or field observations) over a geographic area. In ecology, it helps identify areas where species, habitats, or environmental features are concentrated.

 

  • Hotspot Identification: KD pinpoints areas with high concentrations of species activity (e.g., nest sites, foraging, migration stopovers) to determine core areas and buffer zones to minimise disturbance.
  • Movement Pathway Analysis: Identifies frequent wildlife routes using GPS tracking data for pre development site assessments and minimizing interactions with infrastructure
  • Wildlife Management & Planning: KD Identifies important areas and critical habitats for focused management efforts.
  • Risk Assessment for Infrastructure Projects: Shows where human activities intersect with wildlife, guiding impact mitigation.
  • Temporal Density Analysis: Track changes in species density or activity patterns due to seasonal shifts, migratory windows or human activities.

                     Nesting Brolga with chick                                                       White-throated Needletail

SPECIES DISTRIBUTION MODELLING (SDM)

 

    Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) is a powerful ecological tool used to predict the geographical distribution of species based on environmental conditions and occurrence data. It provides crucial insights for spatial planning, turbine layouts, environmental impact assessments, and ecological research.

    • Predictive Maps of Species Distribution: SDMs use species presence data and environmental variables (e.g., temperature, precipitation) to predict likelihood of species occurrence at project sites and other areas.
    • Habitat Suitability Analysis: Identifies suitable and unsuitable habitats for at-risk species to minimise impacts whilst optimising site design and layout.
    • Informed Project Planning: Pinpoints areas suitable for wind energy projects at broad and fine spatial scales.
    • Risk Assessment for Developments: Assesses potential species impacts from proposed developments, guiding mitigation strategies.
    • Support for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Provides evidence-based predictions of species presence and habitat quality for regulatory compliance.

     

    Fauna & Flora Surveys

     

    At SkySafe Ecology, we provide fauna and flora surveys to support sustainable development, specialising in threatened or migratory birds bats and terrestrial mammal species. Our services include:

    • Pre-Construction Assessments: Comprehensive BUS and BACI surveys to identify bird and bat species present in proposed project areas prior to construction.
    • On site assessments of species presence and abundance to determine potential impacts on local wildlife and facilitate the approvals process (On ground surveys and / or remote monitoring systems eg radar and high resolution camera systems).

    • Activity Monitoring: Use of acoustic monitoring and field survey techniques to identify cryptic and nocturnal bird and bat species at proposed wind farm sites.

    • Mitigation Strategies: Development of tailored mitigation measures to minimise impacts on birds, bats and other threatened fauna prior to, during and after construction.

    • Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring regulatory requirements are met, facilitating a smooth approval process. 

    • Bird and Bat Management Plans: We develop species and site specific, adaptive bird and bat management plans including high level reporting in line with client needs.

     

    Mammal Surveys

     

    We offer non-invasive, camera trap mammal surveys throughout the entire project cycle. Our surveys are designed to collect valuable data on both common and threatened mammal species, ensuring informed decision-making, compliance and effective management of threatened and sensitive species.