Proposal (2017-2018)

Eliminating Vehicle-Related Nēnē Death: A Robotics Approach

Zoë McGinnis, 2017

Purpose and objective

If nēnē geese are fitted with an affordable, Arduino-compatible Bluetooth module, then the module can be programmed to trigger a warning sign near problem roads to warn drivers of nēnē proximity. Therefore, vehicle-related nēnē deaths will be prevented, thus helping to eliminate man-made threats to nēnē population.

Research

One of the most imminent threats to the nēnē goose population is roadside and traffic-related injury and death of chicks and adults within the breeding age. In December, 2016, The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) reported in The Garden Island newspaper and KHON2 news that over 50 nēnē had been killed by cars in the past two years. The most publicized recent nēnē deaths occurred in January, 2017, on Kauai, near the Hanalei bridge; two goslings were hit by cars. DLNR reports that although vehicular nēnē deaths happen on neighboring islands, Kauai’s roadways tend to be the most deadly (The Garden Island, 2017). To make these phenomena even more alarming, Kauai is home to around 65% of the nēnē population, and only 10% of female nēnē are estimated to breed naturally outside of Kauai (ICNU Red List of Threatened Species, 2017). Thus, the death of Kauai nēnē geese in vehicular incidents is impacting both the general nēnē population and the breeding population.

Plan of action

The HC-05 Wireless Bluetooth module—priced at $8.99 retail on Amazon—in operation with the Adafruit Trinket—priced at $6.95 retail on Amazon—can be used as a leg tag for nēnē geese. Given that the module is 3 ounces and 1.1 x 0.6 x 0.1 inches (and can likely be reduced in size through modification), it will be non-invasive in leg tag form, and will be waterproof and weather-resistant. The module is configured with a Bluetooth interface, and programmed to respond to connection initiation by a stationary Arduino module within a 500 foot line-of-sight range and a 200 foot (estimated) proximity to the stationary module. The stationary module—which will initiate the connection—will be positioned in problem areas, where vehicle-related nēnē deaths are frequent. The stationary module will be connected to a power supply (a battery, perhaps); it will be configured as to send out invitations to connect to Bluetooth modules in the tag. Once a connection has been successfully initiated (meaning a tagged nēnē is within 200 feet of the stationary module), flashing LED lights will be triggered. The flashing lights will be on a roadside sign reading something along the lines of “BEWARE: NĒNĒ WITHIN 200 FEET OF ROAD WHEN LIGHTS FLASH.” Thus, drivers will be presented with an eye-catching display that warns them not only of possible nēnē crossings, but also immediate nēnē proximity.

Works Cited

BirdLife International. 2017. Branta sandvicensis. (amended version published in 2016) The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22679929A112386209. http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22679929/0. Most recent date of access: 28 July 2017.