Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Remote-Controlled Planes Used For Wildlife Conservation

Posted by samzenpus on from the conservation-on-a-budget dept.

Damien1972 writes "Conservationists have converted a remote-controlled plane into a potent tool for conservation. The drone — an HK Bixler equipped with cameras, sensors and GPS — has been used to map deforestation, count orangutans and elephants, and get a bird's eye view of hard-to-access forest areas. During their 4 days of testing in Sumatra, the drone flew 30 missions without a single crash. A mission, which typically lasts about 25 minutes, can cover 50 hectares. The drone, full equipped, costs less than $2,000."

3 of 48 comments (clear)

  1. Pigeons by PatPending · · Score: 4, Funny

    Let's just hope there aren't any pigeon hunters nearby.

    --
    What one fool can do, another can. (Ancient Simian Proverb)
  2. Re:More drones by PatPending · · Score: 4, Funny

    Steady-on, Dunbal; no need to drone-on about it!

    --
    What one fool can do, another can. (Ancient Simian Proverb)
  3. whats this about bagpipes? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Isn't a drone part of a bagpipe (along with a chanter?)
    why are Scotsmen flying above tropical rain forests? And why are they playing bagpipes?

    And the FAA has nothing to do with bagpipe regulation, at least in the US. Perhaps in Scotland or Brazil the laws are different.