Landowners and managers in the Northern Europe lack precise and comprehensive estimates on wild animal population. Therefore, Institute for Environmental Solutions (IES) has joined the knowledge and skills with JAMK University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences (Norway), Pro Civis Foundation (Poland) and the Biobord network to develop an innovative technology-based approach for detection and monitoring of wild animals and free-range livestock.
Traditional monitoring methods of forest animals and free-range livestock require a huge investment of time and human work. Moreover, they fail to provide detailed and precise information. Meanwhile, monitoring by means of advanced technologies in combination with traditional methods could provide a completely different perspective.
To test drone capabilities for wildlife monitoring, IES together with JAMK University of Applied Sciences and Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences performed different studies in three countries – Latvia, Norway and Finland. In the video, the team showcases the first trials, conclusions and lessons learned. According to Dr. Dainis Jakovels, the leading researcher of IES: "drones are a promising technique for the wildlife monitoring. However, additional tests should be performed to assess the advantages and limits of these techniques." IES will continue the development of new technology-based wildlife monitoring in cooperation with the Biobord network of bioeconomy innovators. Find out more about the Biobord platform here.
The tests of modern technology-based wildlife monitoring is a part of an extension stage project “Biobord open innovation platform connecting bioeconomy developers in BSR (ConnectedByBiobord)”, in the framework of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region programme that is co-financed by the funds from the European Regional Development Fund, flagship project of EUSBSR and project partners.
