Tracking NZ’s threatened bugs with drones Dr Stephen Pawson and Dr Graeme Woodward have been working together for three years on wireless solutions for tracking insects using UAV (drone) mounted radar. '); } else { // } New technology being developed by a research team at the University of Canterbury could lead to deeper understanding of New Zealand’s threatened and endangered insects, paving the way to more effective conservation management. Innovation has long been a key part of New Zealand’s internationally well-regarded bird conservation programmes, such as radio tracking tools for bird management. At a stretch, this technology can also be used to study large invertebrates such as giant wētā and giant land snails (Powelliphanta), but is simply too big and heavy for most insects.