SIU researchers test technology to measure deer population density

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 00:02 · Archive

Southern Illinois University researchers are testing three methods to measure deer population density for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Researchers at Southern Illinois University are cooperating across departments to find the best method for determining deer population density. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources asked SIU graduate Zoology student Seth Morelock to conduct the research.

Morelock is testing three different methods: trail cameras, thermal images taken during vehicle surveys, and surveys completed with drones. To analyse the hundreds of photos and images generated, Morelock teamed up with computing graduate students Toqi Sarker and Taminul Islam, who trained AI models to count the deer in the images.

Morelock said each method shows promise in its own way, noting that 'our findings may not result into one method that's beneficial, and it might be that methods are very site specific'. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources hopes to use the research to set seasonal hunting limits for deer hunters, with the limits designed to prevent both overpopulation and overharvesting.

SIU researchers test technology to measure deer population density — Image: WIFR

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SIU researchers use emerging technology to find best method for measuring deer population densityResearchers at Southern Illinois University are cooperating across departments to find the best method for determining the density of deer populations.WIFR · 12 Oct, 20:44
SIU researchers use emerging technology to find best method for measuring deer population densityThe Illinois Department of Natural Resources(IDNR) asked SIU graduate Zoology student, Seth Morelock to determine the best method to determine deer density.Kfvs12 · 12 Oct, 17:59

In this story: Southern Illinois University · Illinois Department of Natural Resources · Seth Morelock · Toqi Sarker · Taminul Islam · Illinois

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