Update: Guidelines for UAS-based detection of wild animals before mowing work
The updated version of the guide to drone-assisted fawn rescue once again offers practical support for the use of UAS prior to mowing – with expanded content and new recommendations from the field.
With the 4th edition, we are taking up proven approaches and supplementing them with current best practices that can be derived directly from practical experience.
Project number: 9.902.60004
Cooperation partners involved
New in this edition:
Best Practice
A successful operation is used to show how structured processes, the use of split view (thermal imaging and RGB camera) and continuous communication between operator and rescuers can contribute to efficient and reliable detection and rescue.
New in this edition:
Training
Information on planning and carrying out training missions – including tips on suitable aids and technical equipment to simulate fawn rescue as realistically as possible.
Background
It is estimated that up to 25,000 fawns fall victim to agricultural mowing every year in Austria – especially on meadows near forests. Roe deer protect their young by laying them in the tall grass. Due to their camouflage colouring and natural behaviour, they are barely visible to the human eye and are therefore particularly at risk.
In order to recognise these animals at an early stage, the use of drones to fly over meadows before mowing has established itself as an effective method. Drones with thermal imaging cameras make it possible to visualise the body heat of fawns even in dense vegetation and to initiate appropriate protective measures.
About the guide
In addition to the latest innovations, the guide contains basic information on:
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- suitable hardware and software
- the legal framework
- and a practical presentation of key aspects from the field
It is aimed at anyone using drone technology for wildlife detection or planning corresponding projects – from initial contact to practical implementation.
AIRlabs Austria provides active support: As a competence centre for UAS test operations, AIRlabs Austria not only supports with know-how and infrastructure, but also offers the operational implementation of fawn rescues on request. We also support training programmes and help with the planning of suitable test missions.
