Next generation fixed-wing drones, capable of operating autonomously beyond the standard visual line of sight, are creating datasets of major wildlife populations around South Georgia for long-term monitoring to aid conservation efforts.
Next generation fixed-wing drones, capable of operating autonomously beyond the standard visual line of sight, are creating datasets of major wildlife populations around South Georgia for long-term monitoring to aid conservation efforts.
The team from British Antarctic Survey travelled to South Georgia earlier this month to undertake aerial surveys of animal populations at risk from the effects of climate change. The island is an important haven for wildlife and is situated about 1,400km (860 miles) south-east of the Falkland Islands.
Working in collaboration with the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI), the team is using fixed-wing UAVs (Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles) to survey major elephant seal colonies, having previously surveyed gentoo penguins, king penguins, wandering albatross and fur seals.
Read more at British Antarctic Survey
Photo Credit: janjoa66 via Pixabay
