Drones to support the monitoring of the lynx released

Under the Life+Iberlince Project and driven by the Ministry of Environment of Junta de Andalucía. The Minister of Environment and Planning, José Fiscal, signed yesterday, 28 December, a cooperation agreement with Enel Green Power Spain and Microsensory companies for the development of a prototype drone.

To monitor the Iberian lynx, from the Life Iberlince project, there are two methods, the use of camera traps and radio collars.

Using camera traps we can determine where the specimens are moved, determine your physical condition or how broad is its territory, this tracking system is the basis for the data that allow us to give the total yearly census.

With radio collars we able to check the cats’ most accurate movements. Two types of necklaces are used: the GPS that give exact information on the place where the lynx is and allows us to study not only the use of space but also the connecting roads between villages; and conventional or VHF collars. The latter are less precise because they are too conditioned by the terrain and also require an active search for an operator in the field of bobcats and their location through triangulation by means of the signal received through an antenna.

With the agreement signed between ENEL GREEN POWER, Microsensiory and the Andalusian County, the design of a DRON prototype, which provided a specific receiver for receiving the signal from the VHS necklaces, could allow us through a specific software that will make it pursues type of flight, height and how to locate copies will facilitate follow-up work by improving the information received and minimizing the costs of vehicles, fuel and time.

The bonds purchased with the way the Convention include the contribution of 20,000 euros from ENEL GREEN POWER, software development and prototype necessary pursuit of Microsensory and certification by the Andalusian County that the necessary requirements are met for the proper functioning of the DRON and that the objectives pursued are achieved.

With this new tracking system all hassles are avoided and the devices will fly at a height that prevents detection by lynx, allowing us to meet more frequently the movements of them individuals.