Efficient kitten rescue relies on a synergy: Successful operations are achieved through technological advancements and unwavering dedication
In the picturesque village of Keltern, a unique collaboration between Thomas Kälber, head of the "Drones" department in the Federal Association of Search and Rescue Dogs, and volunteers from the Natur in Keltern (NiK) association, has resulted in the successful rescue of 22 fawns.
The operation, which took place in reed and riverbank areas, vineyards, and other typical areas for fawn searches, was made possible through the use of advanced technology and the dedication of the rescue team.
Drones, equipped with thermal imaging technology, played a crucial role in the operation. This technology allowed users to detect the heat signatures of hidden fawns in fields, especially in tall crops like corn. For instance, the DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced drone, with its 640×512 pixel thermal camera and 48MP daylight camera, provided live thermal and visual images with centimeter-accurate positioning.
After the drones identified or narrowed down fawn locations through thermal scouting, trained search and rescue dogs were deployed to verify and physically locate the fawns in dense vegetation. This combined approach not only improved efficiency but also significantly increased the success rates in wildlife protection during agricultural activities.
The role of search and rescue dog teams is complementary to drone use. These dogs are skilled in tracking and finding the animals to ensure they can be safely removed before harvest operations proceed, minimizing injury or death to the fawns.
Coordination with gamekeepers is essential for fawn searches, as a fawn cannot be secured without a hunting permit holder. Informing fawn search teams about fields or 'beats' in advance allows for the creation and testing of flight plans before the harvest.
In Dietlingen, Magdalena Oßwald reported that they are happy for every fawn that could be saved from the mower. The operation in Dietlingen covered an area as large as 25 hectares.
However, visibility from the air is often limited in forests, making drones less effective. Therefore, the integration of both technologies enhances wildlife protection and reduces accidental harm during field harvesting.
Dr. Martin Israel from the German Aerospace Center encouraged Thomas Kälber to use drones for fawn searches before harvest. Yet, Kälber emphasized that drones are not meant to replace search and rescue dogs, but to complement their work.
The fawn rescue helpers from NiK reported ten weeks of deployment with joy and dedication. Deterrent measures using optical and electronic scarecrows are also helpful in fawn searches, as practiced in Keltern for years.
Coordinating schedules and planning the areas to be searched is crucial in fawn rescues. The operation demonstrated that with good cooperation between farmers, hunters, and citizens, animal welfare and agricultural interests can coexist.
[1] DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced Drones [2] Search and Rescue Dogs [3] Natur in Keltern
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