Insect-Tracking Drones to Boost Rare Bug Conservation in New Zealand

SYDNEY - A “swarm” of bug-tracking drones and tiny radars are being developed to help conservation of rare insects in New Zealand.  

The new tag-and-track technology is being developed at the University of Canterbury on New Zealand’s South Island.  Researchers hope it could lead to a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s threatened and endangered insects.  The research draws on years of experience in the area of bird conservation, where radio tracking methods have helped to protect many vulnerable species.