Drones that have the ability to scan zebras like barcodes are set to be used to help track animals in the wild as part of a conservation project in Kenya.
The aerial machines, which have the ability to capture the veins in an animal’s ear from 120metres above ground are to be used by Hampshire zoo as part of plans to monitor snow leopards and other endangered species.
Field trials have already found that the technology can capture crucial images with enough detail that the animal would not need to be disturbed.
The project – carried out by Marwell Wildlife and the University of Southampton – will begin by watching snow leopards in Altyn-Emel National Park in Kazakhstan and Grevy’s zebra in Kenya.
Each zebra has its own unique set of black and white stripes which can be used to identify a specific individual within a herd.
Marwell Wildlife has partnered with the University of Southampton to develop the uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) to identify and assess animals without disturbing them
Zoologists at Marwell Zoo developed the high-tech unmanned drones with thermal imaging and artificial intelligence to differentiate each animal by their unique coats
The uncrewed drones can detect the veins in an animal’s ear from 120metres above ground
Zoologists at Marwell Zoo developed the high-tech unmanned drones with thermal imaging and artificial intelligence to differentiate each animal by their unique coats.
Marwell Wildlife said the drones had already undergone several trials, including two at Hampshire Zoo, which showed the technology can pick up any identifying feature on an animal from spots to stripes, and even to shadows.
A spokeswoman for Marwell Wildlife, which runs Marwell Zoo near Winchester, said: ‘Every zebra, for instance, has a unique stripe pattern and much like a human fingerprint or barcode that can be used to identify an individual.’
Professor Philip Riordan, director of conservation at Marwell Wildlife, added: ‘The potential applications of existing technologies for wildlife conservation are already huge and largely untapped.
‘This project will use what is available and, with our partners, drive further innovations that can help conservationists around the world.’
The charity’s spokeswoman added: ‘During the most recent trial, the drones were able to capture images with enough detail to clearly see the veins in the ear of a zebra from 120m high.
‘Even animals’ shadows can give conservationists information about the animals they’re looking at, for instance, scimitar-horned oryx all look alike from above, but the shadows of males clearly show their horns.
Each zebra has its own unique set of black and white stripes which can be used to identify a specific individual within a herd
Marwell Wildlife said the drones had already undergone several trials, including two at Hampshire Zoo, which showed the technology can pick up any identifying feature on an animal from spots to stripes, and even to shadows
‘Zoom features allow our team to check body condition by, for example, checking whether an animal’s pelvis and ribs are particularly visible, an indicator that they might not have access to sufficient resources.’
‘The ultimate goal of the project is to develop an adaptable UAV platform that can be made widely accessible to conservationists around the world.
‘The trials in Kazakhstan and Kenya will provide case studies and help the project team ensure the technology is able to deliver against the projects needs.
‘In time though, drones could be used to monitor wild populations of endangered animals all around the world in a non-invasive, cost effective and mutually beneficial way.’Â
