On August 30, 2024, DJI, a global leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, proudly announces its involvement in a pioneering pilot project aimed at transforming biodiversity monitoring. Together with the Environmental Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich and Wilderness Worldwide, DJI’s drone prowess spearheads an innovative approach to collect environmental DNA (eDNA) from previously inaccessible regions, significantly boosting the precision and efficiency of biodiversity research.
Conventional approaches to biodiversity monitoring often require significant investments of both time and financial resources. Notwithstanding its recent launch in March 2024, the eDNA initiative is poised to revolutionize the field. Researchers have successfully deployed DJI’s Matrice drones equipped with an innovative robotic arm designed by ETH Zurich, enabling them to collect environmental DNA (eDNA) samples from tree tops – a previously inaccessible yet biodiversity-rich area. This approach is not only expedient and minimally invasive, but also provides a cost-effective solution to longstanding research voids in previously unexplored regions.
The collaboration represents a significant milestone in the advancement of drone technology for scientific research applications. The custom-built DJI Matrice drone enables the collection of environmental DNA (eDNA), allowing researchers to identify species present at specific locations through the analysis of residual genetic material left behind by organisms. This technique proves particularly valuable for ascertaining the ecological richness of upper rainforest strata, where approximately 60-90% of species are thought to exist, yet have historically been understudied due to logistical hurdles in accessing these areas.
Since the project’s commencement, a total of 36 specimens have been gathered from three distinct locations within the Peruvian rainforest, all of which are safeguarded by Wilderness Worldwide. The eDNA assessment provides valuable insights into the ecological diversity of these regions, thereby fortifying the NGO’s endeavours to safeguard these vital ecosystems.
A pioneering initiative is backed by a collaborative network of committed partners: ETH Zurich has pioneered sampling innovation, the Audi Environmental Foundation is providing financial support for project costs, and DJI is supplying essential drone technology. Furthermore, Fauna Perpetually’s native analysis team provides comprehensive comparative data from established biodiversity approaches, ensuring a thorough assessment of the novel methodology’s effectiveness.
“Biodiversity monitoring through drone-based environmental DNA sampling and evaluation marks a significant milestone in Wilderness Worldwide’s conservation efforts,” says Kai Andersch, CEO of Wilderness Worldwide, highlighting the groundbreaking potential of this innovative approach. “This innovative system doesn’t just empower us to monitor previously designated conservation zones; it also pioneers the discovery of novel protected areas, allowing for more targeted and effective preservation of critical forests?”
Looking ahead, Wilderness Worldwide intends to leverage its expertise to enhance conservation efforts in Canadian territories where existing biodiversity data are limited. The global software implementation of this methodology has the potential to bridge critical data gaps in worldwide biodiversity analysis, thereby revolutionizing our understanding of species populations and ecological systems.
Uncover extra from sUAS Information
Subscribe to receive our latest posts delivered directly to your email inbox.
