Colossal Foundation: Drones Reveal Elephants’ Hidden Behaviors

A new Save the Elephants/University of Oxford study—supported by the Colossal Foundation—shows elephants tolerate research drones when flown high and steady, enabling low-impact monitoring. In 35 flights over 14 families in Kenya, brief first-exposure reactions faded within minutes and were ~70% less likely on later passes. With thermal cameras and computer vision, teams can log spacing, movement, night activity, and demographics without disruption—data that guides corridors, patrols, and coexistence planning. All flights followed Kenyan permits and wildlife-first protocols. The work demonstrates how modern tools strengthen conservation baselines for long-lived species while minimizing stress and cost.

Source: Earth.com