Monitoring Whio (Blue Duck) populations in New Zealand’s remote river environments has always been a challenging task. Steep terrain, dense vegetation, and limited access often constrain traditional survey methods. At Interpine, we’re leveraging advanced drone technologies to overcome these challenges and extend the reach and effectiveness of ecological monitoring.
Using our CAA Part 102 certification and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operational capability, we can safely survey river systems well beyond conventional flight limits. This enables coverage of longer river stretches in a single mission, improving detection rates and reducing time spent in the field.
A key innovation enhancing these operations is drone mesh networking, which allows multiple systems or relay points to maintain communication over extended distances. By linking aircraft and ground control through a resilient network, we can push into previously inaccessible areas while maintaining operational safety and control.
Department of Conservation (DOC) says the tools could transform monitoring of the species. “The first trial covered a stretch of the Whakapapa-iti River that DOC had never previously been able to survey”, “The best part is the whio just behave like normal. They don’t know the drone is even there, they just carry on feeding with no disturbance at all” – DOC Principal Ranger: Dan Van Der Lubbe
These advancements allow us to:
- Cover larger and more remote habitats in a single survey
- Reduce disturbance in sensitive Whio environments
- Capture high-resolution imagery and video for validation and reporting
- Improve repeatability and consistency of monitoring programmes
Drone-based surveys complement existing field methods, providing a new perspective on habitat use and population distribution. Combined with Interpine’s expertise in aerial imagery, mapping, and environmental analysis, this approach is helping deliver more efficient and data-driven conservation outcomes. [UAV / Dron…Innovation]
As technology continues to evolve, so too does our ability to support conservation initiatives. By integrating BVLOS operations and intelligent connectivity into our workflows, we’re helping ensure that species like the Whio can be monitored more effectively informing better decisions for their protection and long-term survival.
“We can only have rangers in so many places,” says Dan Van Der Lubbe. “So this thermal technology gives us an opportunity to learn about whio across more rivers.
“In our trial run we detected 10 pairs of whio, and six single birds across 8 km of the Whakapapa-iti River. We’ve never been able to survey there before, so this is a game changer.”
Find out more from our clients:
‘Game-changer’ thermal drones uncover threatened whio in Tongariro river – Te Ao Māori News
Department of Conservation Media Post: Getting warmer in the search for whio: 11 August 2026