The use of cutting-edge drone technology is revolutionizing wildlife conservation efforts in Uganda, particularly in monitoring and protecting the African lion. Under the leadership of Dr. Alexander Braczkowski, a renowned big cat biologist and wildlife filmmaker, teams have been using the Zenmuse H30T to navigate the challenges posed by traditional tracking methods and capture extraordinary footage of these iconic animals.
Resting climbing lion at Queen Elizabeth National Park
Credits: Dr. Alexander Braczkowki
The Challenge: Tracking Lions in Difficult Terrain
Uganda is home to several national parks where lions roam free, including the iconic Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its unique tree-climbing lions. However, traditional ground-based tracking methods face significant limitations due to the dense and thorny vegetation, particularly in the Acacia Sickle Bush Thickets where many lions reside. The difficulty of navigating these environments has hampered the ability of researchers to consistently monitor lion populations, observe their behavior, and collect critical data on their health and status.
"We have teams searching for lions every single day, identifying them using photographic whisker spot patterns and measuring distances traveled to get accurate counts," explains Dr. Braczkowski. "However, the ground-based approach is nearly impossible in some terrains, which is why we turned to aerial photography."
Resting climbing lion at Queen Elizabeth National Park
Credits: Dr. Alexander Braczkowki
The Solution: Aerial Photography with Advanced Drones
Aerial photography allows Dr. Braczkowski and his team to track lions from above, offering a clear and comprehensive view of their movements, hunting patterns, and even rare behaviors like swimming across crocodile-infested waters. "Recently, we documented a Guinness World Record of lions swimming across the Kazinga Channel. Without drones, capturing such footage would not have been possible," says Dr. Braczkowski.
Credits: Dr. Braczkowski & Luke Ochse
During the unprecedented swim, the team was able to capture the great feat with the Zenmuse H20T, the predecessor of the current model. After their experience they realized the need for higher thermal and night vision capabilities, hence the upgrade to the Zenmuse H30T.
Dr. Braczkowski using the Zenmuse H30T in night conditions
Credits: Dr. Alexander Braczkowski
The Zenmuse H30T, with its enhanced resolution capabilities, has taken conservation efforts to a new level. Compared to previous models like the Zenmuse H20T, the H30T provides a fourfold increase in image clarity, allowing for more detailed and accurate monitoring, particularly during nighttime operations.
"We can now see the details in the wrinkles of an elephant's ears or the texture of their skin at night, which has been a game changer for our work." - Dr. Braczkowski.
Dr. Braczkowski captures lion brothers Tibu & Jacob using the Zenmuse H30T
Credits: Dr. Alexander Braczkowski
Beyond Photography: Broader Applications of Drone Technology
The benefits of drones extend beyond capturing breathtaking footage. They are also vital in identifying new lions and observing critical behaviors such as mating and hunting, which would otherwise be impossible to document due to dense vegetation. Moreover, the use of drones can support anti-poaching efforts by detecting illegal activities such as poaching and unauthorized fishing in these protected wilderness areas.
Dr. Braczkowski with the Uganda Wildlife Authority at Queen Elizabeth National Park
Credits: Dr. Alexander Braczkowski
"The potential of drone technology is not just limited to wildlife photography and film. It also holds promise for security applications in places like East Africa and Uganda, where there are no fences. This technology is crucial for detecting illegal activities, ensuring the safety and preservation of wildlife." - Dr. Braczkowski
Transforming Conservation Efforts with Technology
Over the years, Dr. Braczkowski's team has utilized a variety of DJI products, from the early DJI Mavic models to the advanced Matrice series. However, the latest Zenmuse H30T has significantly enhanced their capabilities, opening new frontiers in lion conservation and enabling the team to achieve higher production quality in their wildlife documentaries and storytelling projects.
"Our collaboration with DJI has been instrumental in advancing our research and conservation efforts," says Dr. Braczkowski. "The improved resolution and the ability to operate at night have provided us with insights that were previously unattainable."
Learn More About H30T's Thermal Imaging Capability
The Zenmuse H30T's thermal imaging capability is a game changer for wildlife conservation. It allows researchers to monitor animal activity even in low-light conditions, enhancing their ability to track lions at night or during adverse weather conditions. To explore how this technology is transforming conservation efforts, learn more about Zenmuse H30T's capabilities here.
Zenmuse H30T in action over the skies of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Credits: Dr. Alexander Braczkowski
Dr. Alexander Braczkowski's innovative use of drone technology is revolutionizing lion conservation efforts in Uganda while setting a precedent for wildlife research worldwide. By harnessing advanced tools like the Zenmuse H30T, conservationists can gain invaluable insights into animal behavior while enhancing protection measures against poaching.
As we continue to face challenges in wildlife conservation due to habitat loss and poaching pressures, it becomes increasingly important to leverage technology effectively. The success seen in Uganda serves as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.
To see the incredible impact of DJI drone technology on lion conservation firsthand, watch our case video below:
