Potential of Drones for Avian Ecological Monitoring in West African Mangrove Ecosystems

Bouche du Roy, a community mangrove ecosystem in the RAMSAR 1017 site in Benin, is important for bird conservation. However, it faces many anthropogenic threats. Conservation efforts have been made since its inception, but managers face major constraints. Ecological monitoring is costly and material resources are constantly in short supply, making repeated operations difficult. Recently, drone technology has emerged as an effective tool for wildlife monitoring, particularly in inaccessible areas. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of drones for ecological monitoring of avian biodiversity in the mangrove ecosystems of the Bouche du Roy in Benin. In order to maximize the chances of detecting avian species by drone, an optimization of the flight parameters made it possible to recommend a flight altitude of 10 to 20 m, a flight speed of (2 to 4 m/s), a varied approach angle including vertical approaches for nesting birds of (20？ to 60？) and horizontal approaches for flying or moving birds of (90？), an optimal visual contrast (morning or late afternoon) and the need for observer training to minimize observer bias. By applying the parameters identified in this study, our results show that the use of drones can be an effective methodological approach for monitoring avian biodiversity in West African mangrove ecosystems. This innovative approach provides a practical and cost-effective solution to the challenges posed by traditional monitoring methods, thus ensuring better conservation of biodiversity in mangrove ecosystems.