Wildlife Drones - Using drones to track endangered species

Summary

This video showcases how Wildlife Drones is revolutionizing conservation efforts by enabling real-time tracking of animal movements using unique drone sensors. By detecting VHF signals from animals with radio tags, the drones can track multiple animals simultaneously, even in remote areas. The technology has improved efficiency and impact compared to traditional research methods. The video also highlights the journey from research to innovation, the challenges faced in developing the technology, and the impact it has had on conservation efforts. The company has grown from a small academic project to a pioneering force in wildlife protection.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker discusses how transitioning from academic research to business has allowed them to have a greater impact on endangered species than research alone.
• 😀 Wildlife Drones provide a unique solution for tracking animal movements by using drones equipped with sensors that can monitor multiple animals simultaneously.
• 😀 The technology allows wildlife trackers to listen for animal signals from a drone, rather than visually searching for animals on the ground, a novel approach in the field.
• 😀 The drone's ability to track animals equipped with radio tags (VHF signals) is crucial for conservation efforts, as it enables real-time monitoring.
• 😀 The drone's sensor can detect small birds with a tag from up to one kilometer away, and track up to 40 animals at once, making large-scale tracking easier.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the importance of developing lightweight, small tags for birds that do not hinder their ability to fly while being tracked.
• 😀 The drone's onboard computer processes the animal signals and sends data to a base station on the ground for further analysis.
• 😀 The technology is still in development, but the speaker is excited about its potential to improve animal tracking methods in conservation work.
• 😀 The transition from an academic career to exploring innovation in the field of technology and conservation was a pivotal moment for the speaker.
• 😀 The company benefits from having an in-house manufacturing space, which allows rapid prototyping and quick adjustments to technology as they scale.
• 😀 The speaker's background in ecology and conservation greatly supports their ability to drive impactful projects that help preserve wildlife.

Q & A

How does the use of drones impact conservation efforts?

Drones enable governments, environmental consultants, and conservation organizations to track animal movements more efficiently, especially through the use of a unique sensor that can track multiple animals at once, enhancing conservation efforts in real-time.

What makes the drone technology used by Wildlife Drones unique?

Wildlife Drones' technology is unique because it uses a drone equipped with a sensor that can track animals with VHF radio tags. Unlike traditional methods, this technology listens for signals from the animals rather than visually searching for them.

What specific animals can be tracked using this drone technology?

The drone can track any animal with a VHF radio tag attached, including birds, as long as the tag is transmitting a VHF signal.

How does the drone handle the tracking of small animals like birds?

For birds, Wildlife Drones uses small, lightweight tags that allow birds to fly freely. The drone can detect these tags from up to one kilometer away and track up to 40 animals simultaneously.

What role does the onboard computer play in the drone's tracking system?

The onboard computer processes the signals received from the drone’s antenna and forwards them to a base station on the ground, where they are analyzed, allowing for efficient tracking of multiple animals at once.

What challenges did the team face when developing this drone technology?

The team initially struggled to find anyone with a drone capable of the desired capabilities. They were focused on using drones as a platform, not just for aerial footage, but for the specific functionality of animal tracking.

How did the transition from academia to the business world impact the founder’s career?

The founder’s transition from academia to business allowed for greater impact in conservation by enabling the translation of academic research into real-world products, leading to a broader reach in helping threatened species.

What is the significance of the prototyping space the team has access to?

Having access to their own prototyping and manufacturing space allows the team to quickly develop and adapt their technology, making the startup more agile and able to refine their product efficiently.

How does the team’s prior experience in ecology contribute to their success in wildlife conservation?

The founder’s background in conservation and ecology provides valuable expertise in understanding the real-world needs of wildlife monitoring, which directly informs the development of technology tailored to conservation efforts.

What future developments are the team working on for their drone technology?

The team is working on releasing a more advanced version of their drone system that will be able to transmit telemetry data directly, which will significantly enhance the efficiency of animal tracking and conservation efforts.