A GASAWAY-TYPE MOOSE SURVEY IN NEW HAMPSHIRE USING INFRARED THERMAL IMAGERY: PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Abstract

A Gasaway-type aerial moose survey was conducted in northern New Hampshire using fixed-wing aircraft equipped with a Westinghouse WesCam forward looking infrared (FLIR) sensor in place of human observers. The purposes of the survey were to: (1) provide a more accurate estimate of moose numbers; and (2) to begin to validate the ability of a fall hunter survey to accurately reflect changes in the moose population. Sightability was tested in 1995 by flying a number of survey units (SUs) at survey speed and immediately re-flying these SUs at a more intensive rate. Sightability was estimated to be 88%. Mean population density for the area flown was 1.19 moose/km² ± 27.5% (90% C.I.). The survey will take place annually for 3 - 5 years before validation of the hunter survey is complete. For the state of New Hampshire this survey technique was slightly more expensive but considerably safer than a similar survey using rotary-winged aircraft. In areas with fast changing weather patterns and varied topography  this technique can be successfully used in place of the traditional aerial survey which relies on direct visual observation.