Thermal imaging technology saves fawns

Innovative Solutions in Animal Protection

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Since 2021, we have been working closely with the State Hunting Association of Rhineland-Palatinate on various animal and species protection projects. One of these projects is the use of thermal imaging drones to prevent mowing losses. The fawn rescue is particularly important to us because it shows how modern technology can provide direct help for animal protection.

Mowing vehicles pose a significant threat to wild animals such as deer, hares, or pheasants in spring. When mowing meadows and fields, accidents and unintentional killings, known as "mowing losses", can occur. These mowing losses can be countered by various methods.

A widespread approach is changing the driving method of the mowing vehicle. The classic method of "from outside to inside" herds the animals onto an island and prevents their escape. Switching to a different driving method gives them the opportunity to bring themselves to safety. However, this approach is not suitable for fawns. Fawns have no flight reflex and simply remain lying down when in danger. They also have no distinct own scent and therefore cannot be tracked by dogs, for example.

Therefore, together with the State Hunting Association, we support a more technical approach. Using a thermal imaging drone, heat images are captured with which hunters can locate fawns even in meter-high grass and bring them to safety. During mowing, the fawns are kept in boxes and then released again. Since 2021, we have provided the State Hunting Association with several thermal imaging drones used in the Bad Sobernheim and Mainz areas.

Our employees are also regularly on-site for rescue operations. Due to the great interest in fawn rescue, we have enabled some of our employees to complete a drone pilot's license. They can now fly our drones themselves during missions and support the State Hunting Association even more strongly in fawn rescue.

Stefan Hörhammer

COO | Medialine Group

Now let Stefan speak for himself and give you the opportunity to get to know his fantastic project in his own words.

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