Use of drones in wildlife ecological monitoring on a ranch in northern Benin

The conservation of wildlife populations requires regular studies for effective monitoring. However, although necessary, these studies are difficult to implement, particularly in the developing countries where the lack of financial resources and appropriate material are felt. Nowadays, the use of drones has grown steadily, opening up new avenues for wildlife management. The present research investigated on a ranch, the use of a mini-drone in the activities of wildlife surveys, monitoring and ranch mapping. After a line transects census, surveys with drone at various heights were made for animal counting, monitoring and ranch photogrammetry. The data was extracted from the taken images and analyzed as appropriate. From the results obtained, it is clear that the mini-drones give good results for the wildlife survey when the flights are made between an elevation of 20 to 50 m. The wildlife species encountered do not change their attitude when the drone passes by. Various acts of vandalism can also be observed with the drone and the mapping of the ranch set up in the middle of the savannah was obtained in a relatively short time. Long-lasting batteries will have to be manufactured in order to allow the mini-drones to operate easily in a real natural environment for ecological monitoring activities.