Drone survey successfully documents 25 dugong sightings in Calauit Island, Busuanga, Palawan, enhancing conservation initiatives through technology and collaboration with the indigenous Tagbanua community.

A recent drone-based survey conducted in April 2023 in Calauit Island, Palawan, made significant advancements in monitoring and protecting dugongs (Dugong dugon), a critically endangered species in the Philippines. Led by Community Centred Conservation (C3) Philippines, in collaboration with the indigenous Tagbanua people, this initiative merged advanced technology with local knowledge, highlighting the power of community engagement in conservation efforts.

Dugongs, known as “sea cows,” play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by grazing on seagrass, which helps maintain the health of these vital habitats. Unfortunately, their populations have been declining due to habitat destruction, illegal fishing, and other human activities. By involving the Tagbanua people—who possess an intimate understanding of local ecosystems—the project not only gathered valuable scientific data but also integrated traditional knowledge into the conservation framework.

The primary objective of this activity, conducted under the Seagrass Ecosystem Services Project—implemented by CMS Abu Dhabi under the Dugong MOU with financial support from the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and in collaboration with C3 Philippines—was to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of dugong population assessments while minimizing disruptions to their natural habitat. A key step in this process was the delineation of dugong management zones, which helped establish protected feeding grounds and reduce human interference. These zones were identified as critical areas where focused conservation efforts can safeguard dugongs from ongoing threats.

Local stakeholders played a key role throughout the process, from identifying potential dugong feeding areas to participating in drone training. This participatory approach ensured that the indigenous community had ownership of the initiative, with members trained in operating the drones, analyzing the data, and understanding how the results would contribute to long-term conservation strategies. Information from the study was shared through workshops and collaborative meetings, making it accessible to both scientific and community partners.

Prior to the project, there was limited data on the dugong population in this region, making it difficult to create effective conservation plans. While previous surveys and claims by locals had hinted the presence of dugongs, there was no systematic or large-scale population assessment.

Traditional methods for studying dugongs, such as boat-based surveys, are often expensive, labor-intensive, and intrusive to the animals. In contrast, drones provide a more efficient and non-invasive way to collect data. The survey used DJI Phantom 4 and DJI Mavic Mini 2 drones to capture detailed images of dugong hotspots. Pre-programmed Litchi flight paths, designed by technical partners from Murdoch University, were planned to cover known dugong feeding grounds, as identified by the local Indigenous Tagbanua community. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, the drones gathered detailed images of dugong populations and their habitats, enabling the survey of larger areas with greater accuracy while minimizing disruptions to the marine environment.

While drone technology proved effective, the implementation faced some challenges. Initial difficulties included navigating changing weather conditions, which affected flight stability and image quality. The drones also encountered issues near dense mangroves and rugged coastal areas, making some sections difficult to survey. These challenges are being addressed by refining flight plans, adapting to local environmental conditions, and upgrading equipment for better performance in challenging terrains.

The drone survey documented 25 individual dugongs, with manual counting methods used to verify the accuracy of the findings. This approach proved more efficient and less intrusive than traditional techniques, highlighting the potential of drone technology for wildlife monitoring. It also integrated the traditional knowledge of the local community. The images captured during the survey offered valuable insights into dugong distribution and habitat use, which are critical for future conservation efforts.

One key advantage of using drones is their ability to capture a wide range of data—not only counting dugongs but also gathering information on the health and condition of the seagrass beds they rely on. The data collected during this survey will inform management strategies for dugong habitats, with the goal of protecting both the species and the ecosystems they depend on.

The successful integration of traditional ecological knowledge from the local community with modern scientific methods presents a promising model for participatory conservation. As the project progresses, the collaboration between C3 Philippines, the Indigenous Tagbanua community, and international technical partners is expected to lead to more comprehensive conservation initiatives in Busuanga, Palawan. This fusion of technology and community engagement underscores the potential for innovation in marine conservation, aimed at safeguarding dugongs and their habitats for future generations.