Wings for Wildlife

Drones in Indian Conservation

About

Wings for Wildlife explores the application of aerial drone technology in wildlife and environmental conservation across India. Targeted at researchers, conservationists, policymakers, and drone manufacturers, the report evaluates the integration of drones into conservation practices.

Drawing on interviews with stakeholders and users, the report presents 15 case studies showcasing diverse drone deployments in India's landscapes and habitats. These examples involve researchers, practitioners, forest officers, and technologists, illustrating drones' potential in conserving biodiversity and ecological well-being.

The case studies are categorised into three themes: innovative conservation research, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and mapping and managing protected areas. They highlight drones' capabilities and limitations in conducting population surveys, studying animal behaviour, facilitating human-wildlife coexistence, and restoring ecosystems through habitat mapping—all in the context of environmental and wildlife conservation.

The report critically examines how Indian stakeholders harness drone technology to innovate and address conservation challenges ethically and effectively.

Details

This report is freely available for public dissemination as an EPUB and PDF. Click on the buttons below to download.

Contributing authors: Nancy Alice, Shivangini Tandon, Nandini Mehrotra, & Shivali Pai 

Copy editing by Supriya Roychoudhury 

Cover image by Shashank Srinivasan/ TfW 

Typeset by Nancy Alice/ TfW 

Citation: Technology for Wildlife Foundation. (2024). Wings for Wildlife: Drones in Indian Conservation. Retrieved from https://www.techforwildlife.com/wings-for-wildlife