Dugongs and sea turtles, both classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, are experiencing significant population declines, and comprehensive surveys on these marine megafauna remain scarce. To address this important issue, Indonesia has joined the Dugong Conservation Project, part of a broader initiative focused on protecting these species.

One of Wallacea expeditions package is the Marine Megafauna Survey, which offers participants a chance to engage in advanced aerial surveys developed by Dr. Amanda Hodgson by using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones to assess marine mammals abundance and distribution. The UAV-based survey approach involves capturing high-quality imagery and video footage of dugongs and sea turtles, providing precise monitoring with minimal disturbance to the wildlife. This method is praised for its efficiency in covering extensive habitat areas and generating comprehensive data on species distribution. 

Participants in the expedition will receive hands-on training in operating drones, collecting and analyzing the collected data. This includes learning how to process drone footage to identify species density and distribution.

For more information about the Marine Megafauna Survey and the work of Dr. Amanda Hodgson, please visit Dr. Amanda Hodgson’s profile and read about the drone techniques for wildlife survey.

[Contact us to learn more about including Marine Megafauna Survey in your customized expedition.]