Skip to main content
Dryad

Data from: drones as a tool to study and monitor endangered Grey Crowned Cranes (Balaerica regulorum): behavioural responses and recommended guidelines

Abstract

These data detail the results of an investigation into the impact of drones and on-foot approaches on the behaviour of the endangered Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum). In total, 313 drone flights and 56 on-foot approaches were conducted over three different Grey Crowned Crane group types - pairs (110 flights, 26 on-foot), families (66 flights, 7 on-foot), and flocks (110 flights, 23 on-foot). Response data describe the number of birds exhibiting a particular behaviour (1 - no behaviour change, 2 - heads raised to observe surroundings, 3 - wings raised, 4 -moving away, and 5 - flying away) based on a photograph taken during the approach. Predictor data include the distance between the drone or on-foot observer and the bird grouping and a description of the group type. The number of individuals in the group can be inferred from the response data.