Thermal imaging drones save fawns: Uckermark shows role model for animal protection!

Thermal imaging drones save fawns: Uckermark shows role model for animal protection!

A deep understanding of hunting and animal protection is currently practiced in the picturesque Uckermark. Hunters, farmers and committed volunteers use modern technology to save fawns from cruel death by mowing. The initiative, which was launched in 2024 and is supported by the Prenzlau District Hunting Association, shows how useful tradition and innovation can go hand in hand. The group uses a thermal imaging drone, purchased for around 6,000 euros, to make it easier to track down the shy fawns, which often hide in tall grass and remain motionless when threatened.

A special highlight of the initiative is the farmer Heino Tietje, who made a significant contribution to purchasing the drone with a generous donation of 2,450 euros. The drone makes it possible to discover the fawns in good time before the mowers arrive. Jürgen Schirmer, a board member, emphasizes that there is a legal obligation for farmers to search meadows before mowing to ensure that no wild animals are put in danger. This responsible attitude shows that hunting is about more than just regulating wildlife; it is an integral part of the ecosystem.

The challenges and successes

However, the start was not without hurdles for the group. There were communication problems at the beginning of the operations, and the drone's small screen technology posed a challenge. However, with the support of the company Enertrag, which donated an upgrade to the communication technology, operations were improved. Dirk Vahle, who is considered the best drone operator, was proud of the successes that have already enabled the initiative to save around 30 fawns from death by mowing. These successes demonstrate how important it is to find innovative solutions to old problems.

However, the use of drones to rescue fawns is not only an issue in the Uckermark. The Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Homeland (BMLEH) promotes such technologies nationwide in order to strengthen animal protection measures. For 2025, funding of 2.5 million euros was again made available to support the purchase of drones with thermal imaging cameras. Applications had to be submitted by June 17, 2025 to enable deployment in this important work.

A step into the future

The fact that fawns are particularly at risk shows how relevant this technology is. Mowing machines injure or kill thousands of these animals every year. Drone technology could help reduce this loss and ensure more animals remain unharmed. The use of thermal imaging drones is not yet commonplace in Germany; many hunters and clubs could benefit from this development if the financial resources and knowledge of how to use them are available.

Gerhard Philipp, a 74-year-old retiree and experienced hunter, emphasizes the advantages of thermal imaging technology, especially in cooler times, when the drones can better withstand various natural weather influences. This shows that the combination of legal responsibility and state-of-the-art technology not only brings benefits for wild animals, but also enables hunters and farmers to have a good hand in harmonious coexistence with nature.

The use of drones marks a decisive step into the future of animal protection and hunting, in which the old and the new are cleverly linked together. If this is maintained, the relationship between people and nature in the Uckermark and beyond could improve significantly. So let's stay tuned to see how these developments will continue to unfold and whether this will have an impact on the entire region.