Question 1

What is a Wildlife Drone Survey?

Accepted Answer

A Wildlife Drone Survey or Census is an innovative method that uses drones equipped with advanced imaging technologies, including thermal and visual sensors to achieve two key objectives:

Estimating Population Numbers
Wildlife Drone Surveys can accurately calculate the minimum number of target species within a survey area. These can range from large mammals like deer, wild boar, feral goats and wallabies, to smaller animals such as squirrels, grouse, hares and ground nesting birds.

Confirming Presence or Absence
Surveys can also determine whether specific species of interest are      present in an area. This might include elusive species like wildcats or rare birds such as capercaillie (special licences required), or invasive      species that are establishing a population in a new area.

Our drone operators will conduct a comprehensive survey of the designated area, systematically recording all target species using our bespoke mapping software. Each animal recorded is geo-referenced to ensure its precise location. It is also accompanied by high-resolution imagery from the drone allowing for verification of the species, count and where possible, the sex breakdown too.

Question 2

How can a Wildlife Drone Survey help landowners and/or organisations?

Accepted Answer

Understanding wildlife population dynamics serves as a vital tool for land management. A Wildlife Drone Survey can provide landowners and organizations with invaluable insights to help them make informed decisions about land use, conservation and wildlife management. These include:

Establishing Baseline Data
To determine the minimum population or the presence/absence of a particular species as a foundation for further study or action.

Supporting Environmental Management and Conservation
To inform the development of environmental management plans or conservation strategies.

Monitoring Population Trends
To track changes in wildlife populations over time, including immigration patterns, recruitment rates, or the effectiveness of population control measures.

Ultimately, a Wildlife Drone Survey empowers landowners and organisations with actionable data for effective land management. There are countless more benefits and learnings that can come from a drone survey and we are always happy to further discuss the ways in which we can best serve your own goals and objectives.

Question 3

What happens prior to a Wildlife Drone Survey?

Accepted Answer

Prior to conducting a survey, a consultation will take place between you and our team who will:

Learn about the objectives and reasons for the survey taking place.
Request a shapefile (.shp) to aid with further planning and calculating the required resources. 
Identify any wildlife/public sensitivities, access considerations, flight restriction zones, etc. to be factored in. 
Conduct a full Risk Assessment for the planned drone operation.

Once a date for the survey has been agreed, the drone operator will liaise directly with you to finalise a meeting location and/or survey start time in the days preceding the survey. Please be aware, in the event of adverse weather we may need to cancel or postpone surveys at short notice. This will be communicated to you as early as possible, and we will prioritise rescheduling your survey at the nearest opportunity.

Question 4

How are Wildlife Surveys carried out?

Accepted Answer

During a survey, our operators work from pre-planned flight points that have been carefully mapped to maximise coverage of the surveyable area. These points are strategically chosen to account for the terrain, habitat features and visual line of site to the drone. This methodical planning allows us to collect comprehensive data with minimal disruption to the environment.

To maintain consistency and avoid double counting, we survey the site in a logical, linear direction, where we are often able to verify the locations of animals recorded from previous flight points. This approach ensures comprehensive coverage while minimising errors in data collection.

Surveys typically begin at first light. Early morning starts allow us to identify and record wildlife when they are most active and gives the best chance at data collection before other factors may impact the survey: such as rising temperatures (can affect thermal capability) and human disturbance.

While we usually operate from our vehicles equipped with off-road capabilities, our flexibility allows us to adapt to the terrain and access requirements of your land. Surveys can also be conducted on foot, using ATVs for rugged landscapes or by boat when working in areas with water access. This adaptability ensures we can reach even the most remote or challenging environments to gather the data you need.

Question 5

Do I need to accompany the drone operator(s) during the survey?

Accepted Answer

It is entirely up to you. Our drone operators use 4WD vehicles with off-road tyres, they are experienced with working in remote and often rugged environments, and we have a robust lone working policy in place, so there is no requirement that you accompany the survey.

However, many of our clients often choose to join our operators during the survey. Observing the process in real time can be quite insightful and provides an opportunity to share local knowledge that can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the survey. Details such as animal movement patterns, hard-to-spot landmarks, or terrain considerations can help our operators navigate more effectively and focus on key areas of interest, ultimately improving the quality of the data collected.
If the land requires specialised access, such as the use of ATVs, boats or has specific sensitivities, we may request that someone from your team accompany our operator(s). Their expertise and familiarity with the land will help ensure the survey is conducted safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to the environment or operations on-site.

Question 6

What do I get at the end of the Wildlife Drone Survey?

Accepted Answer

Upon completion of a Wildlife Drone Survey, the operator will usually be able to immediately provide you with a provisional population total for the area.

A full, in-depth report with will follow, usually within 1 week after the survey has been conducted. This includes maps, species specific breakdowns, observations and trends noted throughout the survey and highlights of imagery taken during the survey.

We are always happy to discuss the report and survey findings in more detail on the phone, or over email, too.

Question 7

Why do you use thermal drones for Wildlife Surveys?

Accepted Answer

Thermal drones are revolutionising wildlife surveys and census efforts by providing a powerful, efficient, and non-invasive method for monitoring animal populations. Their advanced thermal imaging technology detects heat signatures – even in challenging conditions, such as dense vegetation, low light, or at longer ranges on open hill. This is paired with high-definition optical sensors, which can allow us to verify the species, sex and even age bracket of an animal from distances of up to 1,500m+.

Key benefits of using thermal drones include:

Enhanced Detection Capabilities: Thermal cameras can spot animals that are difficult to see with the naked eye or standard visual imaging, ensuring more accurate counts.

Non-Invasive Monitoring: By operating from a distance, drones minimise stress and disturbance to wildlife, preserving their natural behaviours during the survey.

Efficiency and Coverage: Drones can cover large areas quickly, even in remote or rugged terrains, making them ideal for surveying extensive habitats, with a reduced environmental impact.

Data Precision: Thermal and optical imaging provides high-resolution, geo-referenced data to deliver an accurate break down on species, sex, age and population densities.

Year-Round Usability: Thermal drones perform effectively in various seasons, weather conditions and at all times of day and night, adapting to conditions that may limit traditional survey methods.

Question 8

Does the drone disrupt the wildlife?

Accepted Answer

During a survey, we operate our drones from a distance, often at altitudes or positions where they are unlikely to be noticed by wildlife. Our operators are trained to follow strict protocols to ensure ethical and responsible drone use. Additionally, the optical zoom imaging allowing us to detect and monitor animals without the need for close proximity.

In rare cases where animals might show signs of distress or movement due to the drone, our operators are trained to adjust flight paths or temporarily halt operations to ensure the welfare of the wildlife remains a top priority. This careful and considerate approach ensures the surveys are conducted safely and ethically while preserving the integrity of the data collected.

Question 9

Are there any weather conditions where a thermal drone is less effective or cannot be flown?

Accepted Answer

Our drones are fully water and dust proof and have some of the highest wind resistance ratings available on the market. However, there are certain weather conditions when the drone is less effective or cannot be flown altogether. These include:

Excessive wind speeds
Low level fog
Heavy rain/snow showers
Extremely bright sunny conditions

It should be noted that brief spells of these types of conditions are common during out surveys, and, unless persistent for several hours, they will rarely compromise and prematurely end a survey altogether. Our team will maintain communication with you in the days leading up to our arrival to optimise the best weather window for conducting the survey.

Question 10

Are there any habitats where a thermal drone is compromised at detecting wildlife?

Accepted Answer

By adjusting the time of year and/or the start time a survey takes place, we will do our best to maximise coverage of an area, or wildlife movements outside of habitats which we cannot effectively survey.  These include:

Dense conifer woodland blocks
Broadleaf trees in full leaf cover (i.e from late spring into early autumn)
Particularly dense understory (e.g. holly, hawthorn, rhododendron)

Please note, the drone operator will always fly over and survey the habitat structures listed above and, in many cases, will record wildlife in this area. Where the habitat is too dense to accurately record, we may draw in an exclusion zone or caveat the report with any areas that were potentially undercounted.

Question 11

Can you fly the drone at night?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all our operators are qualified to operate the drones at night. However, we are only able to obtain thermal imagery and not wide or zoom imagery during these times, so if species, sex or age breakdown is key, it is not recommended to survey at these times.

Question 12

Do you conduct drone surveys outside of the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we conduct drone surveys outside of the UK and have ongoing projects currently taking place across Europe, with more in the pipeline for Africa and North America.

Question 13

Are your drone pilots fully qualified?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all our drone operators hold an A2 C of C (Certificate of Competency) and a GVC (General Visual Line of Sight Certificate), ensuring we are fully compliant with regulations and safety protocols.

BH Wildlife Consultancy also holds an operational authorisation from the CAA allowing us to operate in multiple unique scenarios. Additionally, several of our team hold the necessary qualifications to fly drones throughout the EU.

Our team have thousands of hours of experience in flying drones and undergo regular training and continued professional development.

Frequently Asked Questions