How drones protect young animals from harvesters

Every spring and summer, fawns, hares, and ground-nesting birds face significant risks in fields and meadows, where they often hide in tall grass or cereal crops and fall victim to mowers or combine harvesters.

For the past three years, hunters and the non-profit organisation "Sauvons Bambi" have been using drones over fields and meadows in Belgium, and now these efforts have expanded into Luxembourg. Our colleagues from RTL Télé took a look at this initiative, which, if implemented effectively, could potentially save hundreds of animal lives.

The challenge arises because the first mowing and the birth of young animals coincide. Farmers begin mowing at the end of April, often unaware of the hidden young in the fields, according to hunters and farmers. Collaborating closely, hunters and farmers strive to protect these animals. However, the young are so well concealed that they are often invisible from tractors or combine harvesters. To address this, drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras are employed. Not because farmers have to, but because they have no interest in having dead animals in their feed.

Today, farmers are increasingly sensitive to this issue and employ various methods. Typically, they collaborate with hunters who lease the land being worked. Farmers inform the hunters of their mowing or harvesting schedules, allowing them to deploy drones pre-emptively. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of farmers to adhere to the agreed-upon schedules. Looking ahead, emerging technologies may enhance these efforts, but until then, communication between hunters and farmers remains crucial. And that is precisely where the problem lies, according to hunters, who stress the importance of timely communication from farmers.

Hunters are not the only ones to use drones. Volunteers from the non-profit organisation "Sauvons Bambi" also fly drones as often as they can. Together, these volunteers have rescued nearly 200 fawns across Luxembourg and Belgium.

However, before drones can be deployed, effective communication between farmers, hunters, and "Sauvons Bambi" volunteers is crucial. This coordination is essential because unpredictable weather conditions often disrupt planned mowing and harvesting schedules.

Currently, there are no legal repercussions for unintentionally harming young animals with farm equipment, primarily because there is no legal requirement to check fields or meadows for wildlife before starting work. Farmers understand this practical reality, which places the onus on them to prioritise wildlife protection voluntarily.

The lack of mandatory checks has prompted discussions among stakeholders about potential legislative measures.