Drones to count sea birds

CapeNature is testing drone technology to aid in the conservation of sea birds. To monitor the fluctuating populations of endangered species on Dyer Island Reserve near Pearly Beach (on the Overberg coast), breeding pairs of African penguins, Cape cormorant and bank cormorant have to be counted every month. Staff members usually count the birds on foot, using binoculars and notebooks, but now the Leiden Conservation Foundation has funded a drone project where aerial images are used to count the birds instead. “Using a drone is quicker and less intrusive than walking around the island,” says Deon Geldenhuys, the reserve’s conservation manager. “The drone doesn’t make much noise and it helps us reach areas that are difficult to access.” He adds that the technology is currently being tested on Dyer Island. “If we’re happy with the results, we’ll use drones in other CapeNature areas where bird populations need to be monitored.”