'Drones are changing the face of conservation' - used to control poaching in game preserves

[pampango]

http://vimeo.com/58060364

Anti-hunting groups in Britain, conservationists on African game reserves and US animal welfare groups have started using drones to combat poaching and to monitor suspected illegal activities.

Conservationists say that the technology will allow them to fight back against escalating wildlife crime, deforestation and illegal hunting. WWF has received a Google grant to use drones in Nepal and Africa.

Several major game reserves in South Africa are already using fixed-wing drones to monitor poachers and others are expected to follow. "We bought the equipment to try and combat rhino poaching before they are all gone," said the businessman Anton Kieser, after three rhinos were killed in the Kariega game reserve. "It is a big investment, but is also well worth it – we want to use drone technology to position ourselves at the forefront of the fight against rhino poaching."

But some agri-business and hunting groups have started to fight back. Missouri and Idaho states in the US are being pressed by farmers and hunting groups to pass laws to limit drone use to law enforcement agencies that have warrants. Elsewhere, hunters have equipped a drone with thermal imaging cameras to better locate wild pigs.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/may/28/drones-changing-face-conservation

[geek tragedy]

1. Using armed drones against poachers is a-ok with me.

Give them the same odds they give the rhinos, elephants, and lions they're trying to exterminate.

[pampango]

3. These drones are, so far, only armed with cameras.

As terrible and brutal as poaching is, I think the use of drones to collect evidence and alert officials to the presence of potential poachers is as far as it should go.

[cali]

2. finally. a use of drones I can get behind.