Farm drone spots game on the fields

Thousands of deer, hares and pheasants die annually in agricultural fields when large farm machinery are harvesting. It is especially so during summer, when wildlife migrate from their birthplaces. But the problem can be greatly reduced by using drones with thermal cameras. The first results from a project at Aarhus University have been shown to uncover the possibilities of monitoring deer in Nørreådalen at Viborg.

Spot animals with great precision

Along with two companies, scientists have made the first flights of agricultural land with a drone that is fitted with a heat-sensitive camera. At one of overflights, the drone managed to find two animals in just a few acres.

Prospects using drones to monitor the game is great, explained the project's anchor person, senior researcher Rasmus Nyholm Jørgensen: "In the future, we can provide the farmer with a solution where he will almost certainly be told by drone on where a field is populated. The problem today is that the game usually will press against the ground when an agricultural machine is approaching. Therefore it is extremely difficult to detect animals and prevent a collision. Even for a hunter with trained dogs it is a nearly impossible task."


He also pointed out another problem with the rear-end concerning food. Game may indeed be infected with bacteria. There are several examples of bacteria in forage grasses that have eventually killed the cattle herd.

Collisions provide mental strain

Another negative consequence is the unpleasant experience for the driver of agricultural machinery.

"The animals are hit by large agricultural machines that may be driven by a young 18-year-old man who subsequently has to go out to beat the animal to death. It can not fail to affect their mentality," says PhD student Kim Arild Steen.

Researchers at Aarhus University has in recent years worked to find solutions to minimize the number of animals being hit in the fields with agricultural machinery. With the recent involvement of drones, there are now good opportunities to get closer to an optimal solution that can alleviate the problem.

"The advantage of the use of drones is that we can monitor large areas in a short time," explains Rasmus Nyholm Jørgensen.

Cameras detect body heat

Although scientists have made great strides towards a suitable solution so recognizes Rasmus Nyholm Jørgensen, there is some way to go before a sale ready product is released.

"We have developed algorithms that are capable of detecting the presence of animals in the photos of heat-sensitive cameras. However, at this relatively early stage of development, we have challenges in distinguishing between objects on fields that have been heated by the sun and animals that emit heat. The goal is that we will develop a system that is able to distinguish between animals and other objects," he explained.

Rasmus Nyholm Jørgensen hopes the project can help to gain knowledge that can lead to a workable solution that will ultimately minimize collisions with animals on agricultural land.

"Many farmers are tired of the situation and would really like to solve the problem. A solution must be found and I believe we can deliver it," said Jørgensen.

In addition to researchers at Aarhus University, the project included drone company Sky Watch and consulting firm Nature and Agriculture.