The Comparison of Animal Detection Systems in a Test-Bed: A Quantitative Comparison of System Reliability and Experiences with Operation and Maintenance Final report

The reliability of nine different animal detection systems from five different manufacturers was evaluated at the same site under similar circumstances. For this purpose a test facility (RADS test-bed) was constructed near Lewistown, MT. The animal detection systems were installed and evaluated for their ability to detect horses and llamas (models for large wild ungulate species) that roamed in an enclosure. The data loggers recorded the date and time of each detection for each system. The animal movements were also recorded by six infrared cameras with a date and time stamp. By analyzing the images and the detection data, researchers were able to evaluate the system for a range of reliability parameters. In addition, the effect of system modifications, weather conditions, and animal species (llamas vs. horses) on the reliability of the systems was investigated. Furthermore, three stakeholder groups (employees of transportation agencies, employees of natural resource management agencies, and the traveling public) were surveyed with regard to their expectations on the reliability and effectiveness of animal detection systems. Based on the results, the researchers recommended minimum performance requirements for the reliability and effectiveness of animal detection systems. Finally, the researchers presented a concept of operation and a review of intelligent transportation system (ITS) architecture and infrastructure for animal detection systems, and reviewed seven sites in Montana for the potential installation of an animal detection system.