A German wildlife rescue project is deploying small aerial drones to find and protect young deer hiding in tall grass from being shredded by combine harvesters cutting hay in spring.
The pilot project has shown great promise in spotting the young animals, about 100,000 of which fall victim in Germany every year to the large agricultural machines, said project spokesman Rolf Stockum on Friday.
In a pilot phase, five small drones - fitted with combined digital and infrared sensors that can detect colour patterns and body heat - have been trailed in the southern state of Bavaria to find the animals.
When spotted, the young deer are fitted with beacons that emit radio signals, so that farmers, when they later do the spring mowing, can find and avoid them as they noisily rumble across the grasslands and fields.
Germany’s agriculture ministry - which is backing the project with €2.5 million - this month alerted farmers to the threat as mild April weather is ringing in grass-mowing season in much of Germany. (more)
Read the whole story here: http://www.thelocal.de/20140426/german-mini-drones-saves-bambis-from-hay-shredders
Source: The Local - AFP