When we think of drones, a few things almost instantly come to mind. A quick deliverer of that Amazon package you were hoping for, a way to get aerial footage for a lavish wedding video or even the tech behind amazingly synchronized light shows at festivals. Though we probably have encountered them in these capacities before, drones are also emerging as a new and promising tool to help with wildlife conservation. Check out some reasons why:
- They’re minimally invasive. Though researchers mean well, entering an animal’s space can sometimes disturb their patterns and behaviors. Drones allows conservations to still capture data while flying at a high enough altitude to not disrupt the wildlife they follow.
- It’s safer for researchers. Trekking through remote and rough terrains while hauling cumbersome equipment leaves one exposed to all kinds of variables in the wild. Temperature, daylight, and territorial animals can pose concerns to the researcher, but drones allow for a remote yet effective alternative.
- They’re packed full of helpful tools. Tiny but mighty, these cost-effective fliers are filled with high-tech applications like artificial intelligence, thermal indexing, autonomous flight, and transmission of data in real time to the operator on the ground.
- There are so many applicable uses. Because they’re highly mobile and compact, drone surveillance can help wildlife conservationists track moving animals, identify areas of poaching, help with wildlife rescue in times of disaster, and much more. The possibilities are endless for researchers!
But don’t worry, your favorite wildlife observation spots will only be buzzing with natural insects and not the unfettered whir of drones anytime soon. There are thorough regulations and permits that are necessary—and constantly evolving—for drone usage that vary from different states and countries. The goal will always be to protect nature, not disrupt it. So, take to the skies and see what critter you can encounter!