One of the biggest problems in studying wild animals ishow to get the most information about them without disturbing them. The association EDMAKTUB (Association for the Study and Dissemination of the Aquatic Environment) has developed a new methodology to study cetaceans without harming them: monitoring by means of a remote-controlled model airplane.
This original technique has several advantages: on the one hand, the inconvenience to the animals is minimized and, on the other, more information is obtained and larger areas can be traced than with traditional censuses carried out from a boat. The model aircraft used in the project have a built-inhigh definition video cameraand a GPS system, which allows them to send images in real time to the researchers on board.
The association is testing two different models: an airplane with autonomy to travel up to 5 kilometers away, so that animals can be located at great distances and fly over large groups of whales; and a hexacopter ortriple propeller helicopterfor closer approximations, which enables high definition image recording.
These model aircraft can have various applications. For example, it will allow research in hard-to-reach areas such as cliffs or small marine areas such as bays or marshes. In addition, it can be used to prevent damage to marine fauna during natural resource prospecting. These activities use acoustic methodologies that are harmful to animals and, although observers sometimes travel aboard vessels, many times when they identify an animal it is too late. The drones would allow to track wide areas where the campaigns will take place and thus propose security measures well in advance.
