Study finds best method for drones to observe elephants with least impact

Researchers from Stellenbosch University (SU) have been involved in the first ever paper to be published containing practical guidelines and a suggested ethical protocol on how to cause as little disturbance as possible to elephants when flying over them with drones.

The paper, in the journal Koedeo – African Protected Area Conservation and Science, was authored by Wesley Hartmann – a recent MSc student in conservation ecology at SU, Dr Vicky Fishlock of the Amboseli Trust for Elephants in Kenya and the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the University of Exeter in the UK, and SU department of conservation ecology and entomology wildlife management expert professor Alison Leslie.