How Drones are Used to Protect Wildlife

Drones by far have been considered one of the biggest technological crazes in the past few years, filling in multiple spots within niche markets and making headlines. Today, they have become increasingly more affordable, now being utilized for photography and exploration by just about anyone. However, a noteworthy application that has come from the drone is the ability to track and even protect wildlife. Drones play a key role in research, particularly when it comes to moderating and monitoring animals in the wild. The images and data they are able to collect can tell us a lot about animals and help with developing possible conservation techniques. Benefits of drones

When it comes to wildlife, drones are used to count, study, and protect animals from harm. They are more accurate at counting species and can record an incredible amount of data quicker than the average person could. Drones can also capture images from a bird’s-eye view, providing an edge over traditional field research techniques. Drones also have the ability to reach areas that are otherwise out of reach for researchers on foot.

When it comes to wildlife ecology, landscape imagery can help bring together larger ecological concepts of where animals live and how they interact with their habitat.

Drones are also utilized as a tool for counter-poaching operations and mapping animal habitats. The benefits of using drone technology are clear in many fields, including wildlife sciences. Utilizing drones responsibly

Drone pilots must learn the laws associated with drone usage in one’s region, as it is different for every province, country, and property. For example, there are flight restriction zones in populated areas, especially near airports, and in conservation areas and reserves. There are also maximum height restrictions for drones. Violations of these regulations can lead to fines and in extreme cases, jail time. Be conscious while operating a drone While you’re capturing the scenery around you, it’s very important to become more diligent when using a drone around wildlife. It’s essential to remember that some animals are more sensitive to noises and vibrations. The high-pitched frequency of a buzzing drone can startle wildlife and create potentially precarious situations. Being aware and making sure you are using a drone responsibly boils down to a number of things. For one, having some training or licensing under your belt can help ensure that you not only know what you’re doing but how to keep an appropriate distance from wildlife. Safety first Safely operating a drone is fundamental to making sure you utilize the technology in a way that doesn’t impact the wildlife or the habitat you’re looking to capture. Here are some general safety tips before you begin gathering research: Practice Just like any hobby or skill, you need to take the time to learn how to fly a drone to make sure you can do so safely, without the risk of a crash. You should dedicate a significant amount of time navigating through the controls to make sure you are well-versed in how your machine operates. Ensure your battery is fully charged When using a drone, its battery has to be fully charged to minimize the possibility of crashing. If your drone drains the battery while airborne, it can crash, which can be detrimental. If you haven’t used your drone in some time, the battery may have degraded, meaning you should consider replacing the battery to avoid a potential crash. Of course, more research is needed when it comes to drone usage when it comes to collecting data on wildlife. Hopefully, this will lead to an increase in our ability to conduct further animal studies. If you’re interested in earning your drone license, please make sure to review the Transport Canada Canadian Aviation Regulations (SOR/96-433) and all other pertinent federal and provincial legislation regarding UAVs and wildlife.