Drones have Complicated Impact on Wildlife
As a research scientist and drone consultant, Jeff Kerby has witnessed firsthand the benefits of using unmanned aircraft for conservation studies.
He's used drones to examine how climate and weather affect interactions between plants and animals, such as research on the distribution of primates in Africa and climate change studies in the Arctic.
"Drones are simply a new tool that help streamline traditional data gathering needs," Kerby, 31, of Vermont said. "With a little training and the appropriate usage, drones can save hundreds of human-hours of work, allowing this time to be spent elsewhere."
Just as researchers are discovering drones' capabilities and benefits, usage regulations are still being explored throughout the U.S.
Andrew Turner