Drone used to monitor turtles in nesting season
Seychelles deepens Smart Island Initiative
SEYCHELLES: With the aim of monitoring the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) on Cousin Island Special Reserve, Nature Seychelles has employed the use of drone technology to find nesting turtles on the island’s beaches.
Turtle monitoring efforts on Cousin Island date back to the 1970s, making it one of the longest-running monitoring programmes globally.
With the drone as well as other equipment donated by Varuna Biodiversite, a program aimed at addressing biodiversity loss in the region, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), staff received tailored training with the technical and scientific assistance of Marlene Bauer and Anna Bischof from the University of Würzburg, who specialise in using drones for environmental monitoring.
The drones are expected to complement the efforts of the turtle monitoring teams who walk the beaches every two hours from dawn to dusk.
“In just a few minutes, the drone can cover a stretch of beach allowing us to see Hawksbill turtles as they come to nest. This enables a team member to quickly respond and collect date.”
“In just a few minutes, the drone can cover a stretch of beach allowing us to see Hawksbill turtles as they come to nest. This enables a team member to quickly respond and collect data,” says Chris Tagg, a science officer.
According to Eric Blais, Nature Seychelles’ technical coordinator, initial testing has identified key beaches where the drone can be effectively deployed and those that still present challenges. “Some beaches will still need to be checked physically due to vegetation cover or lack of clear tracks,” he explained.
Supporting anti-poaching initiatives
In addition to turtle monitoring, the drone will also be used for surveillance and anti-poaching measures within the marine protected area, which faces the threat of illegal poaching and fishing. The drone will improve the enforcement capabilities of the wardens on the reserve, particularly following the recently enacted Nature Reserves and Conservancy Act of 2022.
“While wardens have the authority to confiscate any equipment used for illegal activities, poachers often know their routine. They are also aware that once spotted, there is a delay as staff gather, deploy the island boat, and head towards them.
“Knowing this, they can retreat as soon as they see or hear the island boats, making enforcement difficult. Drones can extend the warden’s ability to monitor the area and help gather evidence,” Blais explains.
The drone was also tested for vegetation mapping within the Reserve. “On clear days, it can also be used to search for sharks in the lagoon to confirm if the area serves as a pupping ground for these animals,” Blais says.
PHOTO SOURCE: Nature Seychelles
353